Very Large Anaconda

[Pirarucu]

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Once the snake is dead, it can be stretched to seem longer. Same with shed skins. Likewise, can't just cut off the head, because the snake could have just had an abnormally large head.

Better to leave the snake alive for more accurate measurement. But realistically, how are you going to do this with a wild (likely aggressive) 20-ft+ green anaconda? The snake isn't going to just lay out in a straight line, and it would take lots of manpower and precise use of a long tape measure to get accurate dimensions.

Easy. Use a string, put it along the animal's length, then just measure the string. You might be off by a couple inches but..

[smy_749]

I still think this one holds the record.

http://deadlymovies.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/09.jpg

Hahahaha disregard the hyperlink words, its real I promise. :-D

[StudentoReptile]

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

Easy. Use a string, put it along the animal's length, then just measure the string. You might be off by a couple inches but..

Again, easier said than done with a large snake that is writhing/twisting in the grasp of 10 men while another person is trying to keep the string in place. You would have to keep the string on the same plane the entire length of the snake (Ex: the spine) for the most accurate measurement, or you will definitely be off by more than a "couple inches."

I've tried doing this very thing with an 8-ft BCI, and its difficult. I had 2 other people helping me. Your use of the word "easy" for the task of measuring a snake 20+ ft long is subjective. I'm not saying its impossible, though.

[smy_749]

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Again, easier said than done with a large snake that is writhing/twisting in the grasp of 10 men while another person is trying to keep the string in place. You would have to keep the string on the same plane the entire length of the snake (Ex: the spine) for the most accurate measurement, or you will definitely be off by more than a "couple inches."

I've tried doing this very thing with an 8-ft BCI, and its difficult. I had 2 other people helping me. Your use of the word "easy" for the task of measuring a snake 20+ ft long is subjective. I'm not saying its impossible, though.

Why not tape it down as you move along the spine?

[Pirarucu]

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Again, easier said than done with a large snake that is writhing/twisting in the grasp of 10 men while another person is trying to keep the string in place. You would have to keep the string on the same plane the entire length of the snake (Ex: the spine) for the most accurate measurement, or you will definitely be off by more than a "couple inches."

I've tried doing this very thing with an 8-ft BCI, and its difficult. I had 2 other people helping me. Your use of the word "easy" for the task of measuring a snake 20+ ft long is subjective. I'm not saying its impossible, though.

Well, I ought to have said "easier than stretching the snake out". I do agree it is not easy.

Originally Posted by smy_749

Why not tape it down as you move along the spine?

I like that idea...

[smy_749]

Ok so we have 3 people ready to leave for the giant snake hunt. All we need is duct tape and a goat. Anyone else want to come?

[Pirarucu]

Originally Posted by smy_749

Ok so we have 3 people ready to leave for the giant snake hunt. All we need is duct tape and a goat. Anyone else want to come?

A giant 'conda doesn't want to be fed, he wants to hunt...

[smy_749]

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

A giant 'conda doesn't want to be fed, he wants to hunt...

I was HOPING someone would say that hahahaah touche.