Fossils of colossal snake Vasuki unearthed in India mine

Item 1 of 2 An undated picture of panoramic view of Panandhro Lightnite Mine, Kutch, Gujarat, India, showing the fossiliferous level where the remains of the prehistoric snake Vasuki indicus, obtained by Reuters on April 17, 2024. S. Bajpai, D. Datta, P. Verma/Handout via REUTERSAn undated picture of panoramic view of Panandhro Lightnite Mine, Kutch, Gujarat, India, showing the fossiliferous level where the remains of the prehistoric snake Vasuki indicus, obtained by Reuters on April 17, 2024.

Because of the incomplete nature of the Vasuki remains, the researchers gave an estimated length range of 36-49 feet and a rough estimate of a metric ton in weight. These huge snakes lived during the Cenozoic era, which began after the dinosaur age ended 66 million years ago. "Vasuki was a majestic animal," Datta said. "It may well have been a gentle giant, resting its head on a high porch formed by coiling its massive body for most parts of the day or moving sluggishly through the swamp like an endless train. In some ways it reminds me of Kaa from 'The Jungle Book.'"

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