According to the Guinness World Records the largest snake in captivity is a reticulated python named Medusa who resides at the Edge of Existence Snake Sanctuary in Kansas City Missouri. Medusa is 25 feet (7.6 meters) long and weighs 350 pounds (158.8 kilograms).
In the wild however reticulated pythons can reach lengths of 33 feet (10 meters) or more. The largest snake ever recorded was a reticulated python found in Celebes an Indonesian island. This snake which was more than 32 feet (9.8 meters) long and weighed in at more than 600 pounds (272 kilograms) was shot and killed in 1912.
The second largest snake in the world is the green anaconda. Anacondas can reach lengths of 30 feet (9 meters) or more and weigh more than 550 pounds (250 kilograms). The largest anaconda on record was found in the Orinoco River basin in South America and measured more than 28 feet (8.5 meters) in length.
But not all large snakes are found in the tropics. The largest snake in North America is the eastern diamondback rattlesnake which can reach lengths of 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) and weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
So how do these giant snakes get so big? Well it all has to do with their diet.
snakes that eat mostly mammals and birds tend to be the largest. That’s because these animals are packed with energy-rich fats that help snakes grow to their full potential. For example a 12-foot (3.7-meter) long Burmese python that was captured in the Everglades in 2013 had recently eaten a 76-pound (34.5-kilogram) deer.
On the other hand snakes that eat mostly reptiles and amphibians tend to be smaller. That’s because these animals are mostly made up of water and don’t have as much energy-rich fat.
So if you’re ever lucky enough to see a black snake in the wild take a close look. You just might be seeing one of nature’s true giants.
How big can black snakes get?
Answer: Black snakes can grow up to six feet in length.
Do black snakes get their name from their color?
Answer: Yes black snakes are typically black in color.
Are black snakes venomous?
Answer: Some black snakes are venomous such as the black mamba but most are not.
Where do black snakes live?
Answer: Black snakes can be found on every continent except for Antarctica.
What do black snakes eat?
Answer: Black snakes typically eat small mammals such as rodents and rabbits.
How long do black snakes live?
Answer: Black snakes typically live for 10-20 years.
Are black snakes dangerous to humans?
Answer: While most black snakes are not venomous they can still be dangerous if they bite.
All snakes should be treated with caution.
What is the biggest black snake?
Answer: The black mamba is the largest black snake and can grow up to 14 feet in length.
What is the smallest black snake?
Answer: The smallest black snake is the eastern black-headed snake which only grows to be about 8 inches long.
Do black snakes hibernate?
Answer: Yes black snakes typically hibernate during the winter months.
How many eggs do black snakes lay?
Answer: Black snakes usually lay between 10 and 20 eggs at a time.
How fast can black snakes move?
Answer: Black snakes can move up to 7 miles per hour.
What is the scientific name for black snakes?
Answer: The scientific name for black snakes is Boidae.
Are all black snakes slimy?
Answer: No not all black snakes are slimy.
Some species of black snakes have keeled scales which means they have raised ridges on their scales.
What does a black snake look like when it is born?
Answer: Black snakes are typically born with bright yellow or orange markings which they lose as they mature.
