A curious video captured by a Ribeirão Preto resident shows an anaconda making its way across the busy Avenida Adelmo Perdizza, heading towards a green area between the city's West and South regions. The footage, which surfaced over the weekend, has drawn attention to the presence of these large snakes in urban settings. The anaconda, known to be the largest snake in Brazil and the second largest in the world, typically resides in water bodies and forested areas rather than cities.

Otávio Almeida, a biologist, explained to EPTV, a Globo TV affiliate, that while the appearance of anacondas in urban environments is unusual, it can happen during rainy seasons, which can lead them to migrate towards urban areas if their natural habitat is affected by rising water levels. Almeida reassured residents that these snakes are not venomous and generally pose no direct threat to humans. He noted that such sightings may coincide with temporary floods or increased river flows in nearby water bodies.

The occurrence highlights an important aspect of human-wildlife interaction in urban settings, particularly in regions like Ribeirão Preto that have natural habitats nearby. As urban expansion continues, the interaction between wildlife and urban areas becomes more pronounced, bringing challenges and opportunities for coexistence. The local community is reminded to remain vigilant and respectful of wildlife while understanding the natural behaviors of such animals during seasonal changes.