World's largest snake found shot dead in Amazon Rainforest

World's largest snake named Ana Julia’s death is being mourned by scientists after hearing it was shot dead by hunters in Brazil's Amazon Rainforest.

This Northern Green Anaconda was discovered by a team of 15 international biologists in February. They determined a new species based on a 5.5% difference in its DNA compared to other anacondas, according to Daily Mail.

Formoso River in the rural area of Bonito in southern Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul State was home to Ana Julia’s 26-foot-long lifeless body.

A Dutch researcher shared he was “sad and angry” after hearing the news. He called the anaconda's killers “sick.”

"With a lot of pain in my heart, I would like to let you know that the mighty big anaconda I swam with was found dead in the river,” biologist Professor Freek Vonk shared.

"I have heard from various sources that she was shot dead, although there is still no official confirmation on the cause of death. I'm so sad and so angry at the same time. How sick do you have to be to do this to such a beautiful and unique animal?” he said.

“As far as we know, she was super healthy and still in the prime of her life, so she could have produced many offspring in the years to come. As there are not many of these colossal giant snakes swimming around, the blow to biodiversity is enormous,” he added.