Meet 300lbs, 25ft-long Medusa the python, the world's longest snake

python, recently earned the title of 'Longest Snake in Captivity" as recognized by Guinness World Records.
Photo credit: Kevin Scott Ramos/Guinness World Records 2013 Edition

Just a short time after the release of the 2013 Guinness World Records, a new record has slithered its way into the record books, and this one will make your skin crawl.

According to a Friday press release obtained by Examiner.com, a 25 ft. 2 inch Reticulated Python name Medusa has made her way into the Guinness Book of World Records with the title of “Longest Snake Ever in Captivity.”

Medusa, who is owned by Full Moon Productions of Kansas City, Missouri, where she entertains visitors in the haunted and cavernous The Edge of Hell attraction. The 350-pound snake usually sits in a nook of the attraction, coiled up and patiently waiting for her next big meal.

"We try to keep Medusa well-fed and slightly out of reach as there have been instances with Reticulated Pythons where they’ve had to cut people out of them! We never underestimate that she does always have the upper-hand,” said Medusa’s handler and Edge of Hell general manager, Larry Edgar.

According to the press release, the giant snake will “purr” like a cat when she’s content, and she will “hiss” or “huff” when distressed.

Medusa took the long-awaited title from Fluffy, another Reticulated Python from Ohio’s Columbus Zoo who measured in at 24 ft. long.

Despite being fed a steady bi-weekly diet of rabbits, hogs and deer. Medusa is known to be a bit of a sloppy eater by production staff, who have also managed to witness the snake accidentally bite herself while eating over several occasions.

Even more peculiar is the fact that Medusa nudges handler Edgar to assist her while shedding her skin, especially when things get tough. The monstrous snake also enjoys swimming and usually draws a large crowd when she makes a rare visit to local parks around Kansas City.

"Medusa’s size and stature are mesmerizing! Perhaps there really is an alluring aspect to ‘deadly’ beauty, as her name connotes. Full Moon Productions is proud to showcase such an extraordinary reptile, and hopes that everyone can appreciate her and the Guinness World Records title she now holds.” comments Amber Arnett-Bequeaith,Vice President of Full Moon Productions and Medusa’s Spokesperson.

In keeping with classic Guinness World Records tradition, Medusa’s mystifying size reminds of the fabulous records lurking in the archives of one of the most popular books ever created. The latest edition of the Guinness World Records was released September 12th, and features giant dogs, huge guns and a massive Hello Kitty collection.

SOURCE: examiner.com