New research suggests that an enormous snake may have once inhabited India, with fossilized vertebrae found near a coal mine in western India indicating that the snake could have been between 36 feet and 50 feet long. This is significantly larger than any known snake species today and is believed to have weighed up to a ton. The snake, named “Vasuki indicus” by researchers, is thought to have lived about 47 million years ago and likely subsisted on a diet of catfish, turtles, crocodiles, and primitive whales. Researchers believe that Vasuki was a slow-moving ambush predator that would constrict its prey.
Similar claims of giant snakes have been made in modern times around the world, but they are often dismissed as hoaxes. In South America, legendary giant serpents called the “Yacumama” and “Sachamama” are said to reside in rivers and have been described as being about 100 feet long. Additionally, in 1959, Belgian Air Force Colonel Remy Van Lierde claimed that a 50-foot snake lunged at his helicopter while flying over what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He described the snake as having a head that was 2 feet wide and 3 feet long, stating that it could have easily eaten a man. However, the authenticity of the photograph he took of the snake is disputed.
Cryptozoologists study cryptids, which are animals that have been claimed to exist but have never been proven to exist, such as Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster. These researchers often point to examples of giant serpents like Vasuki indicus as evidence of these supposed creatures. Despite the many claims of giant snakes, they are generally seen as myths or hoaxes. In 2023, a viral video claiming to show a 50-foot snake living in the Congo was debunked by Reuters, illustrating the continued interest and skepticism surrounding reports of large, mythical creatures.
The ancient snake species Vasuki indicus is believed to have been a slow-moving predator that subdues its prey through constriction, similar to modern-day large snakes like pythons and anacondas. The discovery of fossilized vertebrae has allowed researchers to estimate the size of this giant snake by comparing it to living snake species. The name “Vasuki” is derived from Hindu mythology, where a mythical snake king of the same name wraps around the neck of the Hindu deity Shiva. This connection to Hindu mythology adds an intriguing cultural aspect to the discovery of this prehistoric creature.
Legends of giant serpents have persisted in various cultures around the world, with stories of enormous snakes appearing in folklore and mythology. In Hinduism, Vasuki is a mythical snake king, while South American legends include the Yacumama and Sachamama, both massive serpent creatures said to inhabit rivers. These stories contribute to the fascination and mystery surrounding snakes, especially those of colossal proportions. Despite scientific skepticism, the allure of legendary giant snakes continues to capture the imaginations of people across different cultures and regions.
