A dramatic video doing the rounds on social media claims to show hundreds of anacondas gathering in the Brisbane River after days of heavy rain across South East Queensland. The aerial footage is described as a “mass breeding event”, and the caption says swimmers and kayakers are being told to stay away. Many netizens say it looks AI-generated, and so far there has been no official confirmation. Here is what the claim says, why it raises doubts, and what remains unverified.
The claim
According to the post shared with us, aerial footage appears to show a large number of snakes in the Brisbane River following heavy rainfall. It says experts have called the scene a mass breeding event and that authorities are monitoring a sudden population boom. It adds that residents should stay calm unless the snakes begin moving towards South Bank, and that people should avoid swimming, kayaking or going near the river.
Why the claim raises red flags
Anacondas are not native to Australia. They are found in South America, with the green anaconda best known from the Amazon region. A river full of them in Brisbane would be an extraordinary event, and it would be big news.No named officials or agencies. The post refers to “experts” and “officials” but names no one, such as a council, wildlife body or university.No credible news coverage. A search turned up no news report of anacondas gathering in the Brisbane River.
Here’s the video:
What netizens are saying
Many commenters believe the video is AI-generated. Their doubts mirror the points above: the setting, the scale and the lack of any verifiable source.
How to check videos like this yourself
Look for the original uploader and the earliest upload, and run a reverse image search on key frames. Check whether a recognised news outlet, council or wildlife agency has reported the same event. Watch for odd movements, repeating shapes or blurry details, and use AI-detection tools only as a guide, since they can make mistakes. If you ever see a real snake near the water, keep your distance and call the local wildlife authority.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational and media-literacy purposes only. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and the claims described are based on a caption and reactions shared on social media. Do not treat any single visual clue as proof that a video is real or AI-generated. Never approach, handle or photograph wild snakes at close range. If you encounter a snake, keep away and contact local authorities or a trained wildlife rescuer, and in case of a snakebite, seek immediate medical help.