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The ‘bull-killer’ of the Amazon
The Anaconda, also known as the Water Boa, belongs to the
boa constrictor family of snakes. It is the longest reptile
in the world, reaching a length of 9 m. Although it lives
near water and is an expert swimmer, the Anaconda preys on
terrestrial mammals and birds that come to the river to
drink.
It is very strong and, despite being sluggish, can easily
overcome large prey, including small species of deer. It
kills large mammals by coiling its body around them and
suffocating them.
The Anaconda's great size has caused it to be surrounded by
myth and fantasy. Spanish explorers called it Matatoro
(bull killer) because of exaggerated stories about its
length and general body size.
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