The Giant Snake of the Past
Titanoboa was an enormous snake that lived about 60 million years ago in South America.
| Meaning | Titanic boa [Titan-o-boa] |
| Pronunciation | TY-tan-oh-BOH-ah |
| When: | Paleocene (about 60–58 million years ago) |
| Where: | South America (Colombia) |
| What: | Snake (largest known snake) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 1.1 metric tons |
| Length: | Approximately 13 meters (43 feet) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous (ate large fish and possibly other reptiles) |
| Discovered: | First described by Jonathan Bloch and Carlos Jaramillo in 2009 |
It was the biggest snake ever known, growing up to 40 feet long and weighing as much as a car.
Titanoboa lived in steamy jungles and swamps, where it hunted large animals like crocodiles and giant turtles.
Its massive size and strong body made it a top predator of its time. Fossils of Titanoboa found in Colombia have helped scientists learn about ancient snakes and the warm climate during its time.
Titanoboa’s discovery is a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric past and how animals adapted to different environments.