12 Snakes So Long They Could Wrap Around Your Fence

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Picture this: Somewhere you’re walking along the fence line of your backyard, looking down at your garden, and you see something long, scaly, and winding. It is not a twig, or overgrown vine, it is a snake. It’s not just any snake but a snake that could fit around your entire property. That image might sound like something out of a wilderness survival guide, but it’s not far from reality for some of the world’s longest snakes.

These serpentine giants are nature’s marvels. They’re legends and amazing creatures whose lengths could have your jaw on the floor—and your fence wrapped in scales.

Reticulated Python

The longest snake in the world wears the crown, and a few can reach over 30 feet. The reticulated python is endemic to Southeast Asia, and is a muscle of brute strength and stealth. This giant … known to inhabit forests and riversides is an excellent swimmer able to turn up in the most surprising places. Not only are snakes big, their scales amaze people by looking like living mosaics.

Green Anaconda

Although not quite as long as the reticulated python, the green anaconda of South America is the heavyweight champion of the snake world. These water loving snakes can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh more than 500 pounds. However, what really sets them apart is their girth. They’re great at hiding and wait under murky waters until something comes too close. That is the ultimate ambush predator.

Burmese Python

Another, capable of backyard wrapping lengths, is the Burmese python, which can grow over 18 feet. Most of the time they can be found in swamps and marshes of Southeast Asia, but they’ve become infamous in Florida where they’ve established invasive populations. Some of these snakes can get much bigger in the wild than in captivity, particularly in places with plenty of food.

Indian Python

The Indian python, closely related to the Burmese python can grow up to 20 feet. In Indian culture and mythology, these snakes are important as they symbolize power and mystery. They are rarely seen and when they are, they often appear to pass through the area unaware of your presence. They can be as big or bigger than you are but are generally shy and avoid human contact unless provoked.

African Rock Python

This giant from Africa is not one to be shy away from a challenge. The African rock python is a bold snake that grows up to 20 feet. They’ve earned their respect and fear from farmers in rural areas who have seen them raid livestock pens. A rock python once tried to eat an impala whole, as LiveScience once documented.

Amethystine Python

This species, also known as the scrub python is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. It’s one of the longest snakes on the planet, with lengths up to 27 feet. These pythons are often found lounging in trees or slithering across rainforests. And even the longest snakes occasionally have modest culinary tastes — locals sometimes find them sneaking into chicken coops.

King Cobra

Though not the longest snake on this list, the king cobra earns its ranking by growing up to 18 feet and being the longest venomous snake. This snake is found in Southeast Asia; it is feared and rightly so, for its lethal venom and impressive hood display. Thanks to their intelligence and elegance, they’ve been called “the James Bond of the snake world.”

Yellow Anaconda

Yellow anaconda is a smaller cousin of the green anaconda, which averages about 12 to 15 feet long, although some of the larger specimens have been recorded. The South American wetlands is home to these snakes, which aren’t as big as their relatives, but their golden hues and sheer presence are unforgettable. As opportunistic feeders, they occasionally snatch unsuspecting waterfowl.

Boa Constrictor

A boa constrictor is a legendary and lore snake that can grow to be 13 feet in length. These snakes are muscular enough to subdue prey. Although they are of considerable size, they are normally not aggressive towards humans. Fun fact: their ability to constrict is so precise that it can stop blood flow in seconds.

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is North America’s longest venomous snake, and can grow to 8 feet in length. Although shorter than several of the others on this list, its deadly venom and dazzling diamond patterned scales make it unforgettable. It’s feared and respected by locals, as the snake most associated with the southern U.S.

Papuan Python

The Papuan python is native to New Guinea and reaches about 16 feet. Though not as commonly discussed as other pythons, this snake has a unique feature: its scales can change color. The Papuan python has a rare ability among snakes to do this, and is a real standout among the animal kingdom.

Green Tree Python

Last but not least, the green tree python (typically shorter at 7 feet) gets some honorable mentions for being an arboreal badass. These snakes were found in the rainforests of Indonesia and Australia and drape themselves over branches like living garlands. They are one of the most photogenic snakes in the wild, as the bright green colour and coiled posture is so distinctive.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.