What Kinds of Populations Do Anacondas Live In?

The anaconda is the largest member of the boa family of snakes. It is native to South America and is one of the largest snakes in the world, in extreme cases growing up to 30 feet and weighing up to 500 pounds. By weight, it is the world's largest snake. The anaconda is found in different populations throughout the Americas.

  1. Worldwide Populations

    • Anacondas are found in the northern half of South America, particularly in Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil and other areas in the Amazon Basin. There are several different species of anaconda, including the green anaconda, the yellow anaconda, the dark-spotted anaconda and the Bolivian anaconda. The anaconda is not endangered but is believed to be on its way to becoming a threatened species, and only an estimated 200 anacondas are left in the Amazon Basin.

    Large Populations

    • Anacondas are solitary animals, like all snakes. The only time they are found living in groups is for a few weeks every year during breeding season. For between two weeks and one month, usually in April or May, the snakes will cluster in huge balls made up of up to 12 males on one female. A group of anacondas is called a bed of anacondas or a knot of anacondas.

    Invasive Populations

    • While anacondas are native to South America, they are common in the exotic pet trade. Sometimes pet anacondas are released into the wild intentionally or escape accidentally. If this occurs in a warm, humid location, like Florida, the anacondas can establish a wild population there. Like the invasive Burmese python, wild anacondas have been found in Florida.

    Human Populations

    • Anacondas are not found in areas that are heavily populated by humans. Attacks on humans by anacondas are extremely rare because of this fact. However, in places where the anaconda has been introduced, like Florida, they may live near human populations.