GOVERNMENT POLICY

[ Just might save your life one day... ]

The following is from the US Government Peace Corps Manual for its
volunteers who work in the Amazon Jungle. It tells what to do in case you
are attacked by an anaconda. Now an anaconda is the largest snake in the
world. It is a relative of the boa constrictor, it grows to thirty-five
feet in length and weighs between three and four hundred pounds at the
maximum. This is exactly what the manual said:

1. If you are attacked by an anaconda, do not run. The snake is faster than 
you are.

2. Lie flat on the ground. Put your arms tight against your sides, your
legs tight against one another.

3. Tuck your chin in.

4. The snake will come and begin to nudge and climb over your body.

5. Do not panic.

6. After the snake has examined you, it will begin to swallow you from the 
feet - always from the end. Permit the snake to swallow your feet and 
ankles. Do not panic.

7. The snake will now begin to suck your legs into its body. You must lie 
perfectly still. This will take a long time.

8. When the snake has reached your knees slowly and with as little movement
as possible, reach down, take your knife and very gently slide it into the
side of the snake's mouth between the edge of its mouth and your leg, then
suddenly rip upwards, severing the snake's head.

9. Be sure you have your knife.

10. Be sure your knife is sharp.