In Douer, Tocantins, the dogs managed to alert a farmer that their accomplice had been swallowed by an anaconda in a stream near the family home. The animal disappeared for several days.

The animals were dead when they were found – Photo: Reproduction/ND

Bento Gonçalves, 75, owner of the site, said he heard animals barking by the river and went to see what was going on. When he got there, he found an American-breed domestic dog stuck in the mouth of a giant snake.

Farm residents said the family first heard of an anaconda in the area where they have lived for nearly 50 years. “We stayed away because he looked like he was decomposing, was swollen and smelled very strong. We decided to leave it there in the stream,” said teacher Ivanilde Medeiros Gonçalves, a farmer’s daughter.

Experts say the region contributes to the emergence of the species due to rivers and streams in the state. His sightings are rare, as snakes spend most of their time in the water, as they feel more secure.

The anaconda can reach up to 11 meters in length and feed on a variety of prey such as fish, frogs, lizards, birds, rodents, young tapirs, deer and even alligators. Dogs, of course, are also on the menu.