Snakes that constrict their prey possess a remarkable power, capable of subduing animals much larger than themselves. This method of hunting involves wrapping their muscular bodies around their target and applying immense pressure.
The King of Constriction
The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) holds the distinction as the snake with the strongest squeeze. This colossal reptile, native to South America, can reach lengths of up to 29 feet and weigh over 500 pounds, making it the heaviest snake globally. Its immense size and powerful musculature allow it to generate extraordinary force during constriction. Research has indicated that a large green anaconda can exert a constriction pressure of approximately 90 pounds per square inch (PSI). The sheer mass of the anaconda contributes directly to its ability to apply such overwhelming force, enabling it to overpower large prey effectively.
The Science of the Squeeze
Snake constriction is a sophisticated biological process. Rather than causing suffocation or bone breakage, constricting snakes induce circulatory arrest in their victims. When a snake coils around its prey, it strategically tightens its grip, disrupting blood flow to vital organs. This rapid interruption of blood circulation leads to unconsciousness within seconds and cardiac arrest shortly thereafter.
The snake’s powerful muscles apply pressure that causes a significant drop in the prey’s arterial blood pressure while simultaneously increasing venous pressure. This creates a critical imbalance, making it impossible for the heart to pump blood effectively. The lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the brain and other essential tissues. Snakes are highly efficient predators, monitoring their prey’s heartbeat to determine when the struggle has ended, conserving energy by only maintaining the constriction until necessary.
Beyond the Anaconda
While the green anaconda is renowned for its strength, other constricting snakes also exhibit impressive squeezing capabilities. The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus), recognized as the world’s longest snake, is a formidable constrictor, with measured pressures reaching up to 7.8 PSI. Some studies indicate that reticulated pythons can exert pressure between 6 and 14 PSI, depending on their size and the number of coils applied.
Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus), another large constrictor, have been recorded exerting maximum pressures of around 6.23 PSI. Boa constrictors (Boa constrictor) are also powerful, with their squeeze measured between 6 and 12 PSI, although some reports suggest they can reach approximately 20 PSI. These snakes, like the anaconda, rely on their muscular strength to subdue prey, demonstrating the effectiveness of constriction as a hunting strategy across various large snake species.
Measuring Constriction Strength
Scientists employ specialized methods to quantify the immense strength of a snake’s squeeze. One common technique involves placing pressure sensors or force gauges within a dummy prey item. These sensors, often embedded in an artificial body or an inner tube, record the pressure exerted by the snake as it constricts. The data collected from these sensors is then transmitted to a computer via pressure transducers, allowing researchers to analyze the force in real-time.
Measuring such powerful forces in a controlled environment presents unique challenges. Researchers must ensure the experimental setup accurately reflects a natural constriction event while also prioritizing the well-being of the snakes involved. These measurements provide valuable insights into the biomechanics of snake predation, helping to understand how these reptiles generate and apply their remarkable squeezing power.