An American naturalist and wildlife filmmaker will be "eaten alive" by an anaconda for an experimental TV show.

Paul Rosolie will enter the belly of an anaconda in a custom-built snake-proof suit in a show to be aired next month on the Discovery Channel in the US.

Paul Rosolie is seen in his 'snake-proof suit' Credit: YouTube

Few other details have been released by the channel, but a trailer for the show shows the 30-year-old apparently preparing for the stunt.

Rosolie is filmed in a jungle setting to track down a huge anaconda, which requires at least seven people to carry it.

The wildlife expert is then seen changing into a heavy-duty protective suit, before approaching the reptile, all the while attached to a rope-like device.

Premiering on 7 December in the US, naturalist and wildlife filmmaker Paul Rosolie enters the belly of an anaconda in a custom-built snake-proof suit Credit: Discovery Channel

Mr Rosolie is briefly seen kneeling down and bowing his head in front of the snake, responded to criticism that the stunt was cruel.

He posted a message on Twitter saying "I would never hurt a living thing. But you'll have to watch #EatenAlive to find out how it goes down!"