Frisky Male Dolphins Play Tug-O-War With An Anaconda In Bolivia
By MLC on May 6, 2022 at 4:00 AM EDT
Here’s a story you don’t hear every day!
Two male Bolivian River Dolphins were photographed playing with a snake.
But, it’s not just any snake. The mammals were playing around with a Beni Anaconda.
Two Dolphins Had A Playdate With An Anaconda
The Beni Anaconda is typically between 10-14 feet in length and can weigh up to 77 lbs according to eol.org. The Bolivian anaconda's habitat usually consists of aquatic muddy, swampy flooded areas.
The Beni Anaconda is an apex predator.
The river dolphins were seen having a heyday with the snake in the Tijamuchi River.
While this playful behavior isn’t out of the norm for dolphins, the wild part about it is that the male dolphins were sexually aroused during their playdate.
Yes, you read that right!
The Dolphins Were Sexually Aroused
Researchers captured the surreal moment in August 2021 and described it in a paper published last month in the journal Ecology.
Upon arriving to the site, the research team spotted a group of dolphins, so they began taking photos of the river animals.
However, their attention was sidetracked after looking at the first few images. They noticed the dolphins were playing with a snake
Their playdate with the snake lasted for seven minutes.
The Wild Interaction Went Down In August 2021
At some point during their seven-minute interaction with the snake, researchers observed the two adult male dolphins holding onto the anaconda and swimming in unison.
What’s more, the dolphins were reported to have erect penises, which is classified as playful interaction.
According to Ecology, playing is a well-documented behavior in mammals and dolphins generally, but the encounter was the first-ever recorded between a Bolivian river dolphin and a Beni anaconda.
Researchers suspect the anaconda most likely died because it was submerged for much of the encounter.
The researchers said it was also possible the adult male dolphins were teaching the juvenile dolphins that were present about the Beni anaconda, or that the dolphins were engaged in an attempt at courtship.
One marina mammal scientist, who was not part of the study, said the dolphins could’ve been sexually stimulated by the anaconda.
“It could have been something to rub on,” they suggested.
In other weird animal news… the world’s tallest dog has been revealed.
The Tallest Dog Has Been Announced
Zeus the Great Dane of Bedford, TX. Is the recorder holder of “Tallest Living Dog (male)” according to Guinness World Records.
He stands at 3 feet, 5.18 inches and is only two-years-old. This information was confirmed by his veterinarian.
Zeus is described by his owners as “stubborn” but very “loving.”
"Zeus has absolutely changed our family," owner Brittany Davis said. "He brings so much joy. He is such a loving, loving dog."
She continued to explain, “Zeus is very stubborn. He doesn’t do anything unless he wants to. He is also very laid back. He loves everybody. When he gets excited, it’s about ten minutes, he runs around and then he’s tired.”
Zeus is so tall that his water bowl is the kitchen sink.
Given his record setting height, Zeus does have some tricks up his sleeve like eating food off of the countertop.
