One way to defeat fear is to face it, which two scuba divers proved.
Just imagine the fear you would experience if you came face-to-face with an anaconda while scuba diving. The thought alone is enough to terrify most of us.
However, Bartolomeo Bove and his friend Juca Ygarape encountered this situation themselves. While diving in Brazil's Formoso River in July, they encountered the Green Anaconda, the largest snake species in existence.
How scary is an anaconda?
Anacondas are creatures that demand caution and respect. These captivating beings feed on local animals such as wild pigs, birds, capybaras, jaguars, and turtles.
Their diet is the reason behind their enormous size. The green anaconda wraps its massive body around its prey, constricts it, and drowns it before consuming the entire animal. There is no doubt that they are mighty predators.
The Green Anaconda is the largest snake species on Earth, capable of reaching a staggering length of 9.1 meters (30 feet) and weighing up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds).
They kill their prey by coiling their bodies around them, constricting their breathing with their powerful muscles. They can also dislocate their jaws, allowing them to swallow prey more significantly than their own bodies.
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How was the meeting between two scuba divers and the anaconda?
In the video, the colossal snake, measuring a staggering seven meters (23 feet), can be seen resting on the riverbed. The footage then transitions to the snake facing the camera directly and flicking its tongue.
Rather than swimming away in panic like many of us would (let's be honest, we probably would), Bove, who was holding the camera, chooses to follow the snake, determined to capture a better shot of the gigantic reptile.
According to Bove’s explanation, you can only find anacondas in clear waters in the Bonito area in South America. So, it is rare to be able to dive with them here.
This behaviour of the anaconda challenges the myth that it is a hostile and dangerous creature that threatens human life. However, the footage showed that the anaconda was swimming calmly and peacefully.
It did not seem to be bothered by the scuba divers’ presence. It sometimes approached with curiosity towards their camera and licking the lens.
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When courage shows that it was worth it.
After all his efforts, Bove's determination paid off, and he captured some truly incredible footage of the anaconda.
According to the photographer, his video demonstrates the misconception of these massive snakes as they are not as aggressive as people may think.
Bove and his friend didn't hesitate to approach and capture the perfect shot. I appreciate their bravery.
Everything was fantastic as the anaconda appeared to enjoy the attention when the two scuba divers filmed it. It was a scary yet awe-inspiring experience to encounter such a gigantic sea creature.
