When snakes attack humans: Real-life incidents of man-eating snakes
Siddhartha Jana
Although uncommon, some snake species, such as pythons and anacondas, may attack people in strange situations, particularly if there is a shortage of food or if their habitats overlap.
Source: Canva
Snakes usually hunt on rodents, birds, and small mammals. They attack people when they believe they are prey or when they are forced to take risks due to harsh circumstances.
Source: Canva
The longest snake in the world, the reticulated python, has been implicated in several cases of human eating, especially in Southeast Asia.
Source: Canva
In 2024, a 16-foot reticulated python in Indonesia's Kalempang hamlet completely engulfed a woman, the fifth such event since 2017.
Source: Canva
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, African rock pythons have been implicated in fatal attacks, such as one in 2002 in which a 10-year-old boy was killed in South Africa.
Source: Canva
Although there are very few documented cases of green anacondas eating people, they are the biggest snakes in the world and can overwhelm enormous prey.