ANACONDA - LARGEST SNAKE OF THE WORLD
Another name for the anaconda is the water boa, an appropriate name for a snake that is almost always found near water. They live in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of tropical South America, and their habitat extends from the Andes, all the way east to Trinidad and part way up the Caribbean side of Central America. The animal moves much more easily swimming than on land. Like the crocodile, the anaconda has nostrils high on its snout so that it can swim with its head above water to breathe. The eyes are also placed high on its head so that it can watch for prey. The snake lies near the shore, waiting for its prey. When a deer, bird, or other prey comes to the water to drink, the anaconda quickly strikes, dragging its victim underwater to drown it. It then eats the unfortunate animal whole. They are nonvenomous. A good meal can last an anaconda for several weeks, during which it will usually lie around in the water content digesting its food.