Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Did anyone see Animal Planet's Most Extreme on the 10 deadliest snakes? I believe the Anaconda came in at number 10. It said that if it constricted you death would come not from asphyxiation but from high blood pressure which would burst arteries in your heart and brain. Is there any truth to that?

Thanks,
Dan

There has been some studies on this. If you think about it, how long does it take for an animal to suffocate? Longer than a constrictor typically coils. While asphyxation (spelling?) can be the cause of death sometimes, the mass constriction of the circulatory system quickly causes the heart to arrest and death is soon after.

That show is well... good information in an abridged, quick to the point format. They did claim that the anaconda would kill you through increase in blood pressure. I am unsure as to how it would eventually kill you but i would guess that you blood pressure would be raised to the point where there wouldnt be able to move the blood and afixiation would be prevalent also but i am unsure as to which would happen faster and first. But i do have to say i like Animal Planet... they give good quick information.

Sincerely,
Rose Hipskind
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www.srsnakes.com

Well they did say the black mamba would seek out and kill people. Not exactly the most accurate information.

Animal Planet is fun, but it aint no National Geographic.