154. Giant Snakes of the Philippines in Postcards

Postcards of American soldiers fascinated by the enormous size of
these giant snakes found in our jungles. The reticulated python
which is found in the Philippines and Southeast Asia is
considered the world's longest snake. 

The reticulated python is a species of large snake native to Southeast Asia and the Philippines, where it inhabits rainforests, woodlands, grasslands, rivers, streams, lakes, and nearby islands. This species is known for its distinctive pattern of scales that form a network of interconnected lines. With a length range of 1.5 to 6.5 meters (4 ft 11 in to 21 ft 4 in) and a weight range of 1 to 75 kg (2 lb 3 oz to 165 lb 6 oz), the reticulated python is the largest snake native to Asia and is recognized for its ability to exceed 6 meters (19 ft 8 in) in length.

Although attacks on humans by reticulated pythons are rare, this species has been responsible for several reported human fatalities both in the wild and in captivity. According to reports, reticulated pythons with a maximum size are capable of swallowing a human, although the width of some adult human shoulders can pose a challenge for even the largest snakes. In 1932, a report by Frank Buck documented the death of a teenage boy who was eaten by a pet 25 ft (7.6 m) reticulated python in the Philippines, while among a small group of Aeta Negritos in the Philippines, six deaths by pythons were said to have been documented within 40 years, plus one who died later of an infected bite.