“Tragic Turn: Why One Man’s Bizarre Challenge to Let a Snake Swallow Him Live Became His Biggest Regret”
When you think of “instant regret,” what pops into your mind? Maybe it’s that time you bought a questionable set of neon shot glasses or—let’s be honest—danced at a wedding after one too many drinks. But have you ever pondered the outrageousness of allowing yourself to be eaten alive by a giant snake all for a documentary? Yep, that’s the wild world of Paul Rosolie. This US conservationist took a leap into the unimaginable during a 2014 Discovery Channel project titled Eaten Alive. Armed with a custom-made suit, Rosolie attempted to lure an enormous green anaconda into swallowing him while a camera crew captured the spectacle. Now, if you’re wondering what could possibly go wrong with that plan, buckle up! This story juggles thrills, critiqued explorations of shock value, and the heart-pounding tale of Rosolie’s hour-long ordeal under the coils of one of nature’s largest reptiles. Curious about the entire saga? Well, you can LEARN MORE.
When you hear the phrase ‘instant regret’, you’re likely to think of making impulsive purchases or silly things you did while being drunk.
But what about allowing yourself to be eaten alive by a massive snake while a camera crew filmed the thing?
This is exactly what US conservationist Paul Rosolie decided to do while working on a 2014 documentary for the Discovery Channel. Watch the bonkers moment below:
Titled Eaten Alive, the controversial film saw Rosolie head out to the a remote part of the Amazon Rainforest and track down a green anaconda.
For those who aren’t up to date when it comes to their snakes, a green anaconda is the largest and heaviest snake in the world. Although non-venomous, a green anaconda is capable of eating large animals such as jaguars and – should they want to – a human.
Thankfully there are no confirmed incidents of a green anaconda consuming a human and you’re very unlikely to encounter one while you’re out and about.
But still, just incase you were ever wondering what would happen should you find yourself on the snake’s menu you won’t have to, as Rosolie has been there and lived to tell the tale.
Why did Paul Rosolie try to be eaten by a snake in Eaten Alive?
Green anacondas are the largest and heaviest snakes in the world (Getty Stock Images)
Keen to raise awareness about the ongoing destruction of the Amazon Rainforest, Rosolie decided he needed to use shock value in order to attract the viewers’ attention – with the promise of allowing a snake to swallow him while proving to be the perfect conversation starter.
Rosolie was given a custom made carbon-fibre suit in order to avoid being killed by the stunt, which came fitted with cameras, a microphone and a face mask attached to a crush proof oxygen supply. He was then covered in pig’s blood and approached the chosen snake on all fours in order to tempt it into eating him.
However the stunt didn’t go entirely to plan.
Instead of scoffing Rosolie straight away, the anaconda decided to play with its food instead and began to constrict around him.
“I’m getting coils over me,” he can be heard telling the team. “She’s got my arms pinned. She knows there’s nothing I can do.”
How long did Rosolie last in the snake’s grip?
Don’t try this at home, kids… (Discovery Channel)
The stunt would ultimately last an hour before Rosolie called the thing off over fears his arm was about to be broken.
Recalling the moment he decided to call the whole stunt off, he added: “[the anaconda got] my arm into a position where her force was fully on my exposed arm… I felt the bone flex.
“And when I got to the point where I felt like it was going to snap, I had to tap out.”
The documentary would later be criticised as misleading and exploitative towards the animal, however, Rosolie would later insist it was his goal to use shock value in order to bring attention – and funds – towards conversation of the rainforest.
