This is the dramatic moment rescuers captured an 20ft anaconda hiding near the bathing area of a hotel resort in Brazil.

A holidaymaker alerted the fire department after spotting the serpent partially hidden beneath a rock along the riverbank at Esplanada Thermas Park in Rio Quente, Goias, on Sunday at around 11 am local time.

When firefighters arrived, they found that the colossal reptile had slithered beneath a concrete platform forming part of the access stairs to the club area.

Footage shows emergency responders carefully pulling the serpent from beneath the structure as onlookers - including tourists and residents - observed from a safe distance.

The rescue operation lasted around 40 minutes. Officials later confirmed that the anaconda was safely captured and subsequently released into a forested area well away from the resort and surrounding urban zones.

A representative for Esplanada Thermas Park said that no one was injured during the incident. A lifeguard had swiftly secured the area to prevent visitors from approaching until emergency services arrived.

Anacondas are among the largest snakes in the world and are native to South America, particularly in tropical river systems such as the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The green anaconda - the largest species - can grow over 20ft (6m) in length and weigh more than 200lbs (90kg).

Although non-venomous, anacondas are powerful constrictors that kill their prey by coiling around it and cutting off its airflow.

Despite their enormous size, anaconda attacks on humans are extremely rare.