Titanoboa Prehistoric Monster Snake To Greet New York Commuters

There will be a new face and really long body at Grand Central Station soon and commuters might not like it very much. Then again, they might love it. A life-size replica of a 48-foot long, 2,500-pound titanoboa snake will be making a rare appearance. What a sight to see!

What is the reason for placing a huge scary snake which is the size of a school bus in the middle of a busy chaotic train station? Well, as Smithsonian spokesperson Randall Kremer explains, the reptile's purpose is two-fold. First, it will probably "scare the daylights out of people" and second it is intended to "communicate science to a lot of people." What better way to catch somebody's attention than to frighten them to death?

The huge replica will make its debut on March 22 also to promote an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of Natural History in D.C. opening on March 30. For those not able to check out the giant snake in person in D.C. or New York, there will also be a TV special on the Smithsonian Channel called Titanoboa: Monster Snake airing on April 1.

The monster predator lived 65 million years ago and is related to the boa constrictor, hence the name 'titan' and 'boa.' But, the enormous creature lived in water and is thought to have acted more like an anaconda eating fish, other snakes and really big crocodiles. Discovered in Colombia in 2005, the snake has been named the largest in the world.

Will you be checking out the new Grand Central Station visitor or the TV special to find out more about this incredible species?

Photo Source: Wikipedia

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