Somewhere out there are giant anacondas​—with measurements of up to forty feet (12 meters) in length and two and a half feet (.8 meter) in diameter being claimed for some of the largest of these snakes. Of the 250 kinds of reptiles said to dwell in the Amazon jungle, few are actually poisonous. Unless surprised or molested, the predatory varieties kill only for food, and man is not a part of their diet.

Contrary to popular opinion, the jungle is not entirely populated by large and dangerous animals. In the South American jungle, the largest animal is the hog-sized tapir, with pumas and jaguars as runners-up. Catlike tigrillos, long-snouted anteaters, armadillos and ocelots share the underbrush. Foxes, raccoons, little deer and many types of rodents find their niche on the jungle floor. Under ordinary conditions none of these are known to be a threat to humans. Of the 14,712 varieties of animals reportedly inhabiting the Amazon area, over 8,000 are said to be unique.

Several kinds of quaint-faced, loose-membered monkeys swing nimbly from limb to limb, chattering and scolding.