Reptile enthusiasts around the world keep snakes as pets, with some of the more daring opting for giant constrictors like anacondas. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have one of these massive serpents as a pet, read on to learn everything you need to know about the feasibility and responsibility of owning a pet anaconda.
Basic Background on Anacondas
Natural Habitats and Behaviors
Anacondas are semi-aquatic snakes found in the swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams of the tropical rainforests in South America (1). They spend the majority of their time in or around water. Anacondas are solitary creatures and only come together to breed.
They are most active at night when they hunt. During the day, they typically find refuge in dense vegetation, hollow logs, caiman burrows, and other sheltered spots.
Average Size and Lifespan
The green anaconda is the heaviest and one of the longest known snake species. On average, female green anacondas grow much larger than males. Females typically reach lengths of between 13-20 feet long and weigh up to 550 pounds. Males average lengths between 10-13 feet and 77-154 pounds (2).
In the wild, anacondas live about 10 years on average. In captivity with proper care, some have lived over 30 years.
Dietary Needs
Anacondas are carnivorous constrictors, meaning they wrap their bodies around prey and squeeze them to death before swallowing them whole. An adult anaconda eats capybaras, pigs, deer, caimans, and other large animals.
They can survive without food for weeks and live entirely off the energy stores from one large meal. Babies eat small fish, frogs, birds and small mammals.
To meet their dietary needs, pet anacondas should be fed commercially raised rats or rabbits. The prey items should be no wider than the widest part of the snake’s body. Anacondas should be fed every 2-3 weeks for juveniles, and just a few times per year for adults.
Housing Considerations
Enclosure Type and Size
Anacondas are one of the largest snakes in the world, growing over 20 feet long, so giving them adequate space is crucial. Most experts recommend providing an enclosure equivalent to at least half the length of the full-grown snake in width and two-thirds its adult length in depth.
For the average green anaconda, this means a minimum of a 10′ x 7′ enclosure.
Glass tanks with a screen top are unsuitable for maintaining proper heat and humidity levels. A better choice is a customized wood vivarium or heavy-duty plastic cage designed specifically for large constrictor snakes.
Be sure any enclosure has a secure, escape-proof lid as these powerful snakes can push up surprisingly heavy tops.
While some sites recommend building DIY outdoor enclosures, this poses risks from weather, pests, and the snake’s strong digging instincts. An indoor cage where temperature and humidity can be regulated is safer for pet anacondas according to the experts at Reptiles Magazine.
Temperature, Humidity, and Accessories
Anacondas come from tropical environments so regulating heat and moisture is vital for their health. The cage should have a warm side around 88-90°F and a cooler side approximately 78-80°F with a thermostatically controlled under tank heating pad, Ceramic Heat Emitter, and/or incandescent basking bulb.
Moisture levels are equally important. Anacondas need a humidity level of at least 60%, ideally closer to 80%. This can be achieved through a large water bowl, misting system, and covering part of the screen top with a damp towel. Always check for signs of respiratory infection from low humidity.
Good airflow is also essential so be sure the enclosure has adequate ventilation.
Necessary accessories include multiple hide boxes, climbing branches, and a large water tub for soaking. Providing enrichment through cage furnishings and stimulated feeding helps prevent boredom in these intelligent snakes.
Custom-designed cages allow for a better reptile habitat and healthier pet anaconda.
| Enclosure Must-Haves for Pet Anacondas |
| – Minimum dimensions of 10′ x 7′ |
| – Wood vivarium or heavy-duty plastic cage |
| – Secure, escape-proof lid |
| – Heat pad/emitters & basking bulb for 88-90°F hot side |
| – Cool side temp of 78-80°F |
| – 60-80% humidity level |
| – Adequate airflow & ventilation |
| – Multiple hides, climbing branches & large water tub |
Acquiring and Caring For an Anaconda
Purchasing Captive-Bred vs Wild-Caught
When it comes to acquiring an anaconda, you have two options – purchase a captive-bred specimen from a reputable breeder or import a wild-caught snake. Captive-bred anacondas are generally recommended as they are born in captivity, accustomed to human presence and handling from a young age, and less prone to health issues.
Sources like MorphMarket and Underground Reptiles offer healthy, feeding anacondas that are used to life in an enclosure.
Conversely, wild-caught anacondas are taken from their natural habitats in South America and imported to the exotic pet trade. This process is highly stressful for the snakes and risks exposure to pathogens or parasites.
Additionally, wild-caught specimens often refuse food and are extremely defensive and prone to biting – making them quite challenging for novice keepers. Reputable breeders like Strictly Reptiles strongly advise purchasing established, feeding captive-bred juveniles.
Taming and Handling Safety
Green anacondas have a deserved reputation for being aggressive, so taming and safe handling is crucial. Using snake hooks and restraint devices allows keepers to handle juvenile and adult anacondas with minimal risk of constriction or biting.
Additionally, regularly handling an anaconda from a young age and correct use of tap training can promote trust and toleration of human interaction.
However, it’s vital to exercise extreme caution when handling such massive, powerful constrictors – adult green anacondas can weigh over 200 pounds! Always have at least 2 knowledgeable people present, one handler and one spotter, move slowly and deliberately, support the snake’s weight, and never hesitate or jerk suddenly.
Over time and consistency, an anaconda can become quite tame, but they should never be fully trusted. One small mistake could lead to catastrophic – even fatal – consequences.
Feeding and Health Care
Providing optimal nutrition andhusbandry is also an essential aspect of anaconda ownership. Hatchlings will feed eagerly on frozen/thawed mice or small rats but will graduate up to larger feeders like rabbits, pigs, chickens and eventually small deer.
Adult anacondas at over 10 feet can readily swallow prey items weighing over 10 pounds! Offer appropriately-sized meals every 2 weeks and house in large enclosures with ample fresh water access.
It’s also vital to provide regular check ups and care under the guidance of a qualified reptile veterinarian. Anacondas can suffer from issues like parasites, respiratory infections, skin abrasions and mouth rot.
Annual fecal examinations and immediate medical intervention for emerging health issues helps maximize longevity and quality of life for these magnificent giants.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
State and Local Laws
Keeping exotic pets like anacondas often runs afoul of state and local laws. Many states have restrictions on owning constrictor snakes over a certain size, with some banning them altogether. For example, New York prohibits possession of any constricting snakes over 6 feet long without a permit.
California bans anacondas and other large constrictors unless grandfathered in prior to 2017. Florida requires special permits and enclosures for snakes over 8 feet long. Before acquiring an anaconda, it’s important to research your state and city laws to ensure you can legally own one.
Invasive Species Risks
Anacondas are not native to the United States, originating from tropical South America. If released or escaped into suitable habitats like the Florida Everglades, they can become destructive invasive species that threaten local ecosystems.
Unfortunately, irresponsible pet owners have introduced Burmese pythons and other large constrictor snakes into Florida this way. Anacondas could present similar risks if established in the wild. Proper enclosures and responsible ownership are essential to prevent accidental or intentional release.
Lifelong Commitment
Anacondas can live over 20 years with proper care. They require large, secure enclosures with swimming water, climbing branches, and heating throughout their lives. Their sheer size also makes handling difficult and potentially dangerous. Bites can cause serious injury.
An adult anaconda requires multiple strong people to move and restrain it safely. Their specialized needs and longevity means owning an anaconda is a lifelong commitment. Too often, overwhelmed owners release unwanted snakes into the wild.
Make sure you fully understand the responsibility before taking in an anaconda as a pet.
Conclusion
Owning an anaconda or any giant snake is not a casual undertaking, requiring substantial resources and planning to humanely meet their complex needs. With dedication though, a properly cared for anaconda can make for a uniquely intriguing reptile companion.
