PYTHON FAMILY: UNEXPECTED TENDERNESS

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            Giant amongst Snakes, the Python Family is comprised of twenty-six Snakes.  These Snakes are further divided into eight groups based on their color, size, and geographic location.  Contrary to popular belief, Pythons do not crush their prey but instead suffocate their victims by constriction.  Usually, found in Africa, Asia, and Australia, these Snakes are now an invasive species in North America.

            Pythons hunt and consume large animals.  Moving through the forests, these deadly predators taste the air with their tongues.  With their acute sense of smell, Pythons easily find Gazelles and Leopards to kill.  After eating such large creatures, these Snakes will probably not eat for months.

            Unusual for a Snake, Pythons incubate their eggs.  “Shivering” to raise her body heat, Mother Python will wrap her body around her eggs.  She leaves her nest only to bask in the sun to get warm.

            These animals, who are really giant tubes of muscles, have an unexpected softer side.  Many people see Pythons as only fearsome deadly Reptiles.  Little do they know that Mother Python tenderly cares for her eggs.  Even cold blooded Snakes may surprise you with their kindness.  Before you judge, make sure you know the full story.

ANACONDA (WATER BOA): See the Truth

As the largest Snake in the world, Anaconda is the subject of many monster stories.  At home in the water, She swims with grace and agility.  Spying Jaguar at the water’s edge, Anaconda quickly bites Him with her sharp teeth, and then drags Jaguar into the water drowning Him.  Otherwise, She will kill her prey by squeezing them to death.  These actions of Hers make Anaconda into a monster for many people.

            Anaconda lives in the swamps and marshes of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins.  The water supports this large Snake’s body, allowing Her to become even longer and heavier.  With her eyes on the top of her head, Anaconda stealthy moves in the water partly submerged.  She is a top predator where She lives.

            Tales of the “Giant Anaconda” have been told ever since the Spanish arrived in the Americas.  Local people have added to her mystic reputation by referring to Anaconda as “Mata-toro” (bull killer).  Meanwhile, the Yaqurunas of Peru named Her, “Mother of the Water”.

            Because She dwells in inaccessible swamps, Anaconda cannot readily be seen.  Hence many fantastic tales of a monster lurking just below the water is often told about Anaconda.  As the Snake of our imagination, She swims just below our consciousness.  Before we tremble in terror, we need to expose this fantasy to the light.  Anaconda challenges us to see the truth, and understand how our imaginations can paralyze us.

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BOA CONSTRICTOR: Respect Your Fears

One of the most feared animals of the Amazon jungle is Boa Constrictor.  The truth is that He is less terrifying than many people’s tales about Him.  Boa Constrictor consumes medium-sized Mammals but not the huge giants of stories.  In fact, in some places of South America, people keep Him as a House Snake to catch Rats.

            As ambush hunter, Boa Constrictor remains hidden in the dense forest.  Flicking his tongue, He sense prey nearby.  Suddenly, He strikes forward and bites them.  Wrapping his body around the unfortunate victim, Boa Constrictor slowly squeezes until their breathing stops.  However when Boa Constrictor is threatened, He will hiss loudly enough to be heard in the area.

            Boa Constrictor has many unique qualities for a Snake.  He has pelvic spurs which are the remainder of his original legs.  Instead of only having one lung, He has two.  Furthermore, Boa Constrictor has a much shorter tail than most Snakes.

            Boa Constrictor wants you to respect your fears.  He may be terrifying as imagined but He is also a House Snake who eats vermin.  However, always that Boa Constrictor is an ambush hunter.  Respect your fears, but do not let them overwhelm you.

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