It almost sounds like a legend: Scientists in India found fossil evidence of a giant ancient snake that was possibly up to 50 feet long, easily the length of a city bus, and perhaps even rivaling the largest snakes ever known.The excitement over Vasuki indicus isn’t just about its monster size (although, to be honest, that’s pretty awe-inspiring). This discovery tells us clearly what ancient life looked like, and what the extremes of nature really are.

Vasuki Sanket: All about the search

Per scientific reportA team of scientists discovered fossilized bones of a snake now known as Vasuki indicus. This animal lived in what is now Gujarat, India about 47 million years ago. Researchers believe it reached approximately 36 to 50 feet, which is easily tied with the largest known snakes, including the famous Titanoboa.The story begins with Debjit Dutta and Sunil Bajpai, who analyzed a set of 27 vertebrae excavated from the Panandro lignite mine in Kutch. Some bones were still attached, which helped experts estimate the exact size. The new species is named after Vasuki, a powerful serpent in Hindu mythology, and is, of course, a nod to the country where it was found.

So, how big was it?

Material-wise, each vertebra of Vasuki Indicus was thick: some more than 4 inches wide. Scientists estimate that the entire snake would have been up to 49.9 feet (just about 15 meters) long. This puts Vasuki indicus right next to the all-time heavyweight champion Titanoboa. Without a complete skeleton they can’t be 100% sure, but it’s close enough. With a body like this, this snake is not fast. It probably relied on ambush attacks, waiting for prey to wander too close, not unlike today’s anacondas.Now, for context, the largest snakes alive now (like reticulated pythons) rarely grow further than 25-30 feet. Titanoboa was about 40 feet long, at least according to current fossil discoveries. And now, Vasuki indicus may reach that size, or maybe even a little moreso. Vasuki indicus is almost twice the size of today’s largest snakes, weighing close to a ton. He’s not just big; This prehistoric monster is big.

Vasuki Sanket: Everything we know about ‘Family’

According to the report, Vasuki indicus belonged to the Madatsoidae family, a group of ancient snakes that lived for about 100 million years and were widespread across Africa, Europe, and India. Scientists believe that such large madatsoids may have first emerged in India before making their way around the world during the Eocene period.