World’s Longest Snake: 32-Foot Reticulated Python Holds the Slithering Record

The world’s largest slithering snake is sure to be awe-inspiring. 

There are over 3,000 snake species found around the world, according to National Geographic, each with its own unique traits. 

The world’s longest snake is the reticulated python, according to the National History Museum, not to be confused with the world’s heaviest, the green anaconda.

Read more about the reticulated python below. 

The longest snake ever recorded, a reticulated python, was found in 1912 and measured a staggering 32 feet, 9.5 inches, according to Guinness World Records. 

As for the longest snake ever kept in captivity, that would be a reticulated python named Medusa. 

Medusa was owned by Full Moon Productions Inc. in according to Guinness World Records.

Medusa was measured on Oct. 12, 2011, and was 25 feet, 2 inches long. 

Reticulated pythons are known for their impressive size, according to the National History Museum. 

These snakes have been found in various habitats across Indonesia, India and China, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Reticulated pythons prefer a wet, tropical climate, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They are typically found near rivers, streams and other bodies of water, according to the source. 

Reticulated pythons are non-venomous, according to the Vanderbilt Museum. 

The diet of a reticulated python consists of rodents for younger snakes, and pigs, civets and birds for older ones, according to the source. 

Pythons capture prey by squeezing tightly and suffocating their victims, according to San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants.

Pythons then swallow their prey whole, according to the source. 

The title of the world’s heaviest snake belongs to green anacondas, according to the National History Museum. 

Green anacondas can grow to lengths of 20 to 30 feet, and can weigh over 550 pounds, according to National Geographic.

Marshes, swamps and streams are the typical habitats of green anacondas, with wild pigs, deer, birds, turtles, capybara, caimans and jaguars all being part of their diet, according to the source.