Biologists recently found a massive snake that measures 7 feet 7 inches long in Georgia, making it the biggest snake found in the state for years. The scientists also noted that it is only a little bit shorter than the national record holder measuring 9 feet and 2 inches long, and is even surprising for a species known to grow up to 8 feet.
Wildlife biologists from Fort Stewart said that the snake captured was an Eastern Indigo Snake, which is the longest native snake in the US. The Georgia Southern University Department of Biology posted a photo of a man holding the reptile.
Nearly 8ft-Long Snake Found in Georgia Almost Broke National Record; Deemed Harmless Despite Enormous Size
Impressive Specimen of East Indigo Snake is Harmless
The East Indigo Snake that the biologists found was hailed as one of the most magnificent animals in the state, Newsweek reported. More so, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) confirmed that it is not venomous and is harmless despite its massive size.
Researchers explained that it is unusual to find an indigo snake this big, especially since they are classified as Federally threatened species under the FWS's Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and persecution by animals. That is why biologists eagerly welcomed the snake.
The Eastern Indigo Snake species is the longest snake in the US. Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the Encyclopedia of Alabama claimed that the specimen measures not too far short of the national record. FWS said that this species could grow up to 8 feet and 5 inches long for males, and 6 feet and 5 inches long for females, and can weigh up to 6.5 pounds to 11 pounds.
Although the species are restricted to southern Georgia and Florida, the East Indigo snake is being reintroduced to Alabama. In the three states, the snakes prefer the dry, fire-maintained sandhill with oaks and longleaf pine as their habitat. Also, they favor places with the presence of gopher tortoise burrows.
ALSO READ: Physics Sidewinder Snakes' Skin Explain How They Navigate Sandy Surfaces
Massive Snake Slithered in Woman's Garage in Australia
The Georgia snake specimen is not only the recent case of a massive snake sighting. Holly O'Driscoll, a former Sydney resident, shared that a massive python was seen slithering in her garage. Since she did not know what species it was, she asked for help on the social media platform to identify the python.
She and her family have been living in the converted garage where she found the massive snake. She told ABC that she was terrified that the animal might come back and put them in harm after seeing a bunch of dead rats around the garage.
The snake was later identified as Olive Python, which poses no harm to humans and can sometimes be confused with the highly venomous king brown snakes, MailOnline reported. But they are also considered the second-largest snake in Australia, making Ms. O'Driscoll reconsider her life choices of moving to the rural area.
RELATED ARTICLE: Brown Tree Snakes Developed "Lasso" Technique For Tree Climbing
Check out more news and information on Snakes on Science Times.