WILDLIFE PHOTO PROFILE
Green Anaconda – Bonito, Brazil
One of the most unforgettable experiences of my diving career was visiting the Pantanal and swimming with green anacondas. These highly misunderstood predators have been vilified by the media and public for years. When I first jumped in the water with them, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I knew they weren’t the monsters they’d been made out to be—because if there’s one thing the media is good at, it’s over-exaggerating all predatory species. Still, I was curious. I wanted to understand their temperament. How tolerant were they of divers? How passive would they be toward another species once we were in their space?
I just didn’t know.
When we entered the water with this particular snake—an impressively large female, nearly 4 meters long—she wanted nothing to do with us and immediately swam away. At first, she moved quickly. But once she realized we weren’t a threat, she slowed down. She continued to swim away, but without urgency. There was no aggression—just calm retreat.
The snake was an absolute sweetheart, and I felt truly blessed to be in the water with her. What struck me most was the realization—yet again—that we’ve vilified another predatory species without truly understanding it.
This encounter happened over a year ago, but I can still see it clearly in my mind. It remains one of my most treasured wildlife experiences—a moment of connection, humility, and deep respect.
