How risky is catching an anaconda?

Catching an anaconda involves significant risks, as described by Paul Rosolie on Lex Fridman's podcast. Rosolie recounts a particularly dangerous encounter where the anaconda's powerful coils wrapped around his wrists and neck, nearly collapsing his ribcage. He was moments away from severe injury before being rescued by his team member 1. The experience underscores the physical dangers involved, such as the snake's potential to crush bones and suffocate its prey.

Rosolie also explains that anacondas usually choose flight over fight when encountering humans and are not inherently aggressive. Despite handling over 80 anacondas, none has bitten him, suggesting that they prefer to avoid confrontation unless provoked 2. However, he vividly describes how anacondas kill their prey by crushing them and possesses powerful digestive acids capable of breaking down entire animals, including bones and scales 3.

Thus, while anacondas are generally not a threat to humans, the risk lies in the physical strength required to handle them and the potential for serious injury during attempted captures.