Earlier this week in Brazil, Gitane Klain was driving home at night when she noticed a small crowd gathered along a wooded roadside. Their attention was focused on something inside a nearby storm drain.
Curious, Klain pulled over and saw the storm drain grate had been lifted — revealing what looked like a huge “clog.” But instead of debris, it was a living creature: an enormous anaconda, native to the region.
“I came across that beautiful animal,” Klain told The Dodo. “I think she went there to seek shelter. She was super healthy and stunning.”
The anaconda slowly slithered through the drainage system while Klain and onlookers watched in awe.
Local residents had recently reported sightings of a large anaconda in the area, and fortunately, they understood the importance of protecting such an incredible species.
“Until then I had not had the privilege of seeing her,” Klain said. “The concern of residents is for the preservation of these animals and to be able to live in harmony.”
The next day, the snake was spotted above ground, giving Klain the chance to get a closer look. She estimated its length at roughly 20 feet — a truly impressive sight.
Despite its imposing size, anacondas like this one pose little threat to humans. Carlos Ärakáki, a friend of Klain’s and local educator and journalist, hopes her encounter will help spread awareness about the species.
“These are important animals for the environment,” Ärakáki told The Dodo. “I am extremely happy to see an anaconda of this size alive, free, and in the wild. She’s just so beautiful.”
