Photo: “Fifty-Five Foot Snake” Shocks China

A photograph claiming to show a 55-foot 140 year old snake discovered in a Chinese forest went viral online in late 2019. This image was initially shared on the People’s Daily website, which is affiliated with the Communist Party of China. The accompanying narrative suggested that the snake was one of two massive boas found by workers clearing land for a new road near Guping city in Jiangxi province. The workers allegedly disturbed the resting snakes while bulldozing a mound of earth.

Upon closer examination, the size of the tractor’s scoop in the photo indicates that the snake is likely much shorter, around 25 feet, suggesting that the image may be an example of forced perspective—a photographic technique that creates an illusion of size. Another fabricated image was circulated for amusement and the story was that an individual was detained for sharing the poorly edited photo of a snake, as the person was falsely claiming it was a dragon and was linking it to a deadly earthquake.

While some individuals may find humor in these stories, many remain unaware of the extent to which images can be manipulated using software like Photoshop. This program in 2019, before Adobe put all of its software into the cloud so it could monitor everything on earth people did with photos, allowed users to easily alter photos by cutting, resizing, and pasting objects into different backgrounds. Note that since this text was originally written around 2019, the landscape has changed significantly with the introduction of AI image generators which were not publicly available at that time. Nowadays, images similar to the one above can be created in just a few minutes using various free online AI tools that convert text prompts into images, making it even easier to produce convincing and astonishing visual content without traditional editing skills. Here’s a quick example:

When discussing the longest real snake ever recorded, it is important to note that reliable measurements should ideally come from deceased specimens or heavily sedated snakes, measured with witnesses present. One reticulated python was measured at nearly 22 feet under anesthesia, while some less credible reports claim lengths up to 33 feet. However, there are no verified accounts of snakes reaching 55 feet.

In 2004, there was a report about a 49-foot reticulated python captured in Indonesia. Local officials claimed this snake weighed almost 990 pounds and attracted crowds at a zoo in Curugsewu village on Java’s main island. If confirmed, it would have been the largest snake ever kept in captivity. The Guinness Book of World Records lists the longest captured snake at 32 feet and the heaviest at 402 pounds.

Despite these claims, subsequent fact-checking revealed that the actual length of this supposed giant python was significantly exaggerated. A reporter sent to measure the snake found it to be between 21 and 23 feet long and estimated its weight at around 220 pounds. The discrepancies were attributed to various factors affecting a python’s size, such as recent meals and shedding cycles.

This case illustrates how major news outlets can report unverified claims without thorough fact-checking. While reputable publications may eventually issue corrections, many people still believe sensational stories like the one about the giant python in Indonesia.

The reticulated python and boa constrictor are two of the largest snake species, each with distinct characteristics in size and patterns.

Size Comparison

The reticulated python is known for its impressive length, often cited as the longest snake species in the world. While there are reports of individuals reaching lengths of up to 49 feet, these claims are often exaggerated, with more reliable measurements indicating lengths closer to 22 feet. In contrast, the boa constrictor typically reaches a maximum length of about 13 feet.

Pattern Differences

– Reticulated Python: Features a complex pattern of dark brown and gold or yellow markings that create a net-like appearance. This intricate pattern helps it blend into its tropical habitat.

– Boa Constrictor: Displays a more straightforward pattern with large, darker saddle-like markings on a lighter background, which can vary in color from browns to reds. The pattern is less intricate than that of the reticulated python.

Both species exhibit remarkable adaptations for camouflage in their respective environments, but their patterns serve different aesthetic and functional purposes.

Regarding whether snakes can shrink, research indicates that they can experience slight reductions in size during recapture events, but these changes are minimal compared to other species. The average reduction among observed snakes was about 1.07%, suggesting that significant shrinkage is uncommon.

It is essential to maintain skepticism and verify information when possible. Engaging with fact-checkers can provide clarity on dubious claims. Despite encountering misinformation in various forms, there are still many remarkable truths waiting to be discovered, along with dedicated journalists committed to accurate reporting.

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^{[1] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2019/07/09/picture-of-giant-dragon-that-caused-yibin-earthquake-lands-chinese-man-in-detention
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_snakes
[3] http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&where1=JAKARTA,%20Indonesia&sty=h&form=msdate
[4] http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3845750/ns/world_news/t/-foot-python-captured-indonesia/
[5] https://www.scotsman.com/news/world/zoo-displays-49ft-snake-1-499737
[6] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/dec/30/indonesia.johnaglionby
[7] http://animalstime.com/reticulated-python-facts-worlds-longest-snake/
[8] https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/shaggy-snake-story/
[9] http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3845750/ns/world_news/t/-foot-python-captured-indonesia/
[10] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248823580_Do_snakes_shrink}