close up of Anaconda's face
Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
July 11, 2024 ·  3 min read

Man Tries to Get Eaten Alive By Anaconda Only to Immediately Regret It

We’ve all been captivated by wildlife documentaries, but seeing a man offer himself to a snake, especially an Anaconda, takes it to a whole new level. Most of us would flee from a snake, given what we’ve learned from David Attenborough about their deadly abilities. You’d probably prefer a fight with Tyson over facing one of the world’s most powerful snakes, the green anaconda.

Paul Rosolie’s Mission

Rosolie in the Amazons
Image Credits: Paul Rosolie/Instagram

Paul Rosolie, however, befriends these semi-aquatic creatures as part of his mission to protect the Amazon rainforest. For 16 years, Rosolie has dedicated himself to preserving animals, habitats, and ecosystems across the globe.

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Witness to Destruction

Rosolie with a difference Anaconda
Image Credits: Paul Rosolie/Instagram

After years of studying green anacondas and witnessing their shrinking habitats, Rosolie knew drastic measures were needed. To raise awareness, Rosolie decided to offer himself to be eaten alive by a green anaconda. In 2014, Rosolie undertook a daring mission, turning himself into bait for the world’s largest snake as a massive fundraiser for the rainforest.

Tracking the Anaconda

The Giant Anaconda being moved to a safer spot
Image Credits: Discovery Channel

Despite his good intentions, Rosolie quickly regretted his decision once the encounter began. Rosolie’s journey, featured on the Discovery Channel’s Eaten Alive, involved tracking down a suitable green anaconda with a 10-person team. They found their candidate in the Peruvian Amazon: a 20-foot long, 18-stone snake.

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High-Tech Protection

Rosolie wearing the custom-made fibre suit
Image Credits: Discovery Channel

For the experiment, Rosolie wore a custom-made carbon-fibre suit designed to protect him from being crushed by the snake. The suit, made to withstand digestive fluids, was streamlined to avoid irritating the snake’s insides. Covered in pig’s blood to ensure smooth swallowing, Rosolie prepared for his journey into the snake’s mouth. His suit was equipped with a radio mic and cameras, allowing constant communication with his team. Rosolie approached the snake on all fours, mimicking a wild boar, and the anaconda quickly seized him. The snake latched onto his head, constricting his arms and body tightly.

Feeling the Squeeze Of The Anaconda

Rosolie approaching the Anaconda
Image Credits: Discovery Channel

“I’m getting coils over me,” he reported, noting that the snake had pinned his arms and he was powerless. Though he reassured his team, Rosolie’s heart rate spiked and breathing became labored as the snake tightened its grip. Trying to remain calm, Rosolie admitted he often downplays danger until it’s severe. When he stopped responding, the snake had latched onto his head, prompting Rosolie to call for help.

The Rescue

The Anaconda trying to eat Rosolie
Image Credits: Discovery Channel

His team intervened, wrestling the snake off despite only his head being partially consumed. Afterward, Rosolie recalled the snake’s open mouth, going limp, and hoping to be eaten. He described feeling his suit crack and his arms almost being pulled from their sockets. Realizing he was close to death, Rosolie feared his arm would snap under the snake’s force. Fearing serious injury, he decided to tap out of the experiment. Despite the peril, Rosolie told MSNBC he wasn’t terrified, trusting his suit and the experts present. Rosolie emphasized the experiment’s goal was to show the snakes’ power and highlight habitat protection. Surviving such an ordeal is impressive, but perhaps the ‘eaten alive’ concept should stay in the movies.

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