{
  "id": 14379552,
  "title": "Gigantic prehistoric snake discovered in India may have been one of the largest ever",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/gigantic-prehistoric-snake-discovered-in-india-may-have-been-one-of",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-14T05:44:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ScienceDaily",
    "slug": "sciencedaily",
    "url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261014001406.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scientists have discovered a gigantic prehistoric snake in India, possibly one of the largest ever known to have existed. Named Vasuki indicus, this ancient reptile could have reached an incredible 15.2 meters (50 feet) in length, placing it alongside the renowned Titanoboa. The fossils, found in Gujarat, western India, date back about 47 million years to the Middle Eocene period, a time when Earth's climate was significantly warmer than it is today. The species was named after Vasuki, a mythical serpent in Hindu mythology, and \"indicus\" indicating its Indian origin. Although the snake's exact size remains uncertain, researchers estimate it to be between 10.9 and 15.2 meters (36 and 50 feet) long. With its massive body and unique evolutionary history, Vasuki offers a glimpse into the ancient world where such enormous snakes thrived.",
  "summary": "A massive prehistoric snake discovered in India may have rivaled the largest snake ever known. Called Vasuki indicus, the 47-million-year-old giant could have reached up to 50 feet long, making it comparable to the legendary Titanoboa. Scientists believe its enormous body made it a slow-moving ambush predator, similar to a modern anaconda.",
  "key_points": [
    "Scientists discovered a gigantic prehistoric snake named Vasuki indicus in India.",
    "The snake could have reached 15.2 meters (50 feet) in length, possibly one of the largest ever.",
    "Fossils dated to 47 million years ago in the Middle Eocene period, indicating a warmer climate."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The discovery of Vasuki indicus provides critical evidence of how warmer Eocene climates supported the evolution of massive reptilian predators that rivaled the legendary Titanoboa in size.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}