26-Foot Anaconda: The World’s largest snake shot dead by hunters

In February, 15 international biologists discovered the 26-foot-long Northern Green Anaconda. It determined it was a new species based on a 5.5 percent difference in its DNA compared to other anacondas. The anaconda was deemed the world's most giant snake and was named Ana Julia.

Scientists are now mourning the loss of the world's largest snake named 'Ana Julia' after hearing it was 'shot dead by hunters' on Sunday in Brazil's Amazon Rainforest.

However, on Sunday, Ana Julia's lifeless body was found in the Formoso River in the rural area of Bonito in southern Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul State. It was killed by hunters, according to a report.

Biologist Professor Freek Vonk, the Dutch professor who helped discover the anaconda and swam with her in the river, announced her passing on Instagram. The researcher didn't hide his anger at those who attacked the reptile and called them "sick."

Biologist Professor Freek Vonk shared the news on Instagram, posting: 'With a lot of pain in my heart, I would like to let you know that the mighty big anaconda I swam with was found dead in the river.

'I have heard from various sources that she was shot dead, although there is still no official confirmation on the cause of death.

'I'm so sad and so angry at the same time.

'How sick do you have to be to do this to such a beautiful and unique animal?

'As far as we know, she was super healthy and still in the prime of her life, so she could have produced many offspring in the years to come.

'As there are not many of these colossal giant snakes swimming around, the blow to biodiversity is enormous.

'She was the largest snake I had ever seen with my own eyes.'

Vonk also called the discovery of the northern green anaconda a 'highlight' of his scientific career.

The biologist captured incredible footage of himself swimming with Ana Julia last month, showing the snake was as thick as a car tire - it weighed 440 pounds.

According to wildlife filmmaker Cristian Dimitris, the dead snake is the same as the one filmed swimming with Vonk.

He said: 'I compared the markings on her face, which are like fingerprints.

'It must be the most famous anaconda in the world, totally emblematic of the region.

'Images of the snake have already traveled the world.'

This was also confirmed by an anaconda specialist and researcher at the University of São Paulo, Juliana Terra, who called Ana Julia a 'symbol for the Bonito region