What Do Anaconda Snakes Use As Protection?

Hiding

• Typical anacondas are yellow or green. These camouflaged colors provide protection for the anaconda by hiding its shape in the fallen leaves near a water body. In addition, the anaconda's eyes are placed near the top of the snake's head. As a result, the anaconda can swim through the water with only the eyes exposed above the surface. The snake will have a good view of potential prey before the victim even notices the large snake approaching closely.

Teeth

• The anaconda uses its teeth to secure prey and fight off predators for protection. Although no venom emits from the teeth, the strong jaw clamping down onto a predator or prey will maim, or even fatally injure, the animal. The anaconda can unhinge the jaw to hold onto large animals as well, such as a sheep.

Strangulation

• The anaconda's main protection strategy is strangulation. After securing the prey or predator with its teeth, the anaconda will squeeze the victim until it has been completely strangled. The anaconda will consume the victim by swallowing it whole, rather than chewing it.

Drowning

• Anacondas are a good swimming species. As a result, the anaconda uses victim drowning as another protection tactic. The anaconda will drag a victim into the water, pulling it downward into the depths. The victim will drown underwater, allowing the snake to pull the victim onto land for consumption.

Nocturnal Habits

• Anacondas use the night's darkness as protection from predators. The snake typically sleeps hidden during the day and emerges to hunt at night. As a result, the snake can sneak up on many victims that may otherwise notice it more during the daylight hours.