That snake is hungry
Sep 2, 2013 23:08:48 #
erpatterson78
Loc: Ohio
I was out hiking with the family and we decided to head down towards the river. Water level was pretty low so some of the bank that is normally under water was just wet. We were looking for crawdads when I happened to back track and saw a small catfish moving. I did a double take and saw that a rat snake had gotten it's mouth around it and was trying to eat it. I did notice that the fish was still breathing (trying to). We watched it for a little while, but I told my wife no way this snake swallows this fish. If I were by myself I would have sat there for hours watching :) needless to say we left the snake alone to his meal while we continued our hike.
Sep 2, 2013 23:30:05 #
Sep 2, 2013 23:40:01 #
You would be surprised at what snakes can swallow. Rarely will they kill w/o being able to devour their prey. Snakes have the ability to unhinge their jaws, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than what you'd think.
Sep 3, 2013 00:51:32 #
erpatterson78
Loc: Ohio
CHG_CANON wrote:
Since when did snakes eat fish?
With nature and survival I wouldn't doubt anything!
Sep 3, 2013 00:53:16 #
erpatterson78
Loc: Ohio
_Rex wrote:
You would be surprised at what snakes can swallow. Rarely will they kill w/o being able to devour their prey. Snakes have the ability to unhinge their jaws, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than what you'd think.
Rex, I hear what your saying. I would have loved to watch it try. Seeing it though in real life vs. picture, I would have loved to stay and find out. I wonder how long a snake can leave it's jaw dislocated for...
Sep 3, 2013 01:09:23 #
erpatterson78 wrote:
I was out hiking with the family and we decided to... (show quote)
Right place , right time.
I too would have wanted to stay and watch the snake swallow the fish and taken a longer series of photos.
Wal
Sep 3, 2013 01:45:15 #
erpatterson78
Loc: Ohio
WalPerth wrote:
Right place , right time.
I too would have wanted to stay and watch the snake swallow the fish and taken a longer series of photos.
Wal
I too would have wanted to stay and watch the snake swallow the fish and taken a longer series of photos.
Wal
I agree 100%!
Sep 3, 2013 02:09:17 #
Sep 3, 2013 08:07:59 #
Doddy wrote:
great captures..well done.
Indeed ! For both the photographer and the snake.
Sep 3, 2013 12:09:55 #
erpatterson78 wrote:
I was out hiking with the family and we decided to... (show quote)
Mother nature at work. :thumbup: :thumbup:
Sep 3, 2013 12:28:01 #
Sep 3, 2013 12:48:12 #
Amazing shots------ Im envious
erpatterson78 wrote:
I was out hiking with the family and we decided to... (show quote)
Sep 3, 2013 13:11:12 #
Ed Greding
Loc: Texas
Very good photos! It's rare to see an event like that in nature---especially when you have your camera with you! Almost certainly the snake could swallow the fish since, not only the lower jaws unhinge at the articulation with the maxilla (upper jaw), but also the ribs are not joined inn the middle, therefore can expand. The body is mostly muscle, which along with the esophagus and stomach can expand greatly, and stay that way long enough for the snake to crush and digest its prey. My only suggestion is that you needed to be closer to the snake and fish! Congrats! - Ed
Sep 3, 2013 13:50:23 #
Sep 3, 2013 14:16:25 #
_Rex wrote:
You would be surprised at what snakes can swallow. Rarely will they kill w/o being able to devour their prey. Snakes have the ability to unhinge their jaws, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than what you'd think.
I know people like that. :lol: :lol:
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.