Snake Devours Bird Three Times Its Size in One Gulp

Snake swallowing bird 3 times its size

Incredibly, this brown house snake kills and swallows a bird 3 times its size by constricting it and then slowly gulping it down.

Brown house snakes are among the most common snakes in Southern Africa. They are not venomous, but like pythons, they are constrictors and use this method when hunting prey. They average approximately 50 centimetres (19.6 inches) but can exceed 1 meter (39 inches). Luckily, they are harmless to humans, thus no need to fret.

39-Year-old, Environmental principal – Dustin van Helsdingen witnessed this wild moment play out, right in his back garden in Rustenburg. Dusty shares the story with LatestSightings.com:

Brown house snake starting to swallow its victim

“I was outside in the garden when I heard the birds going crazy and alarm-calling at the bird feeder. When I went to investigate I noticed that a brown house snake had caught what I suspect was a sparrow and was in the process of constricting it.”

Snake swallowing bird

“I called my wife and son to come and see. We watched how everything unfolded over a matter of 45 minutes or so until the snake swallowed down its prey and moved off.”

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Stretching its jaws to swallow

Impressive what this snake can do

“A decade or so ago I would have killed the snake, but instead I learned to respect – instead of fear -snakes. It allowed me the opportunity to appreciate this experience and get close to the action. Always respect nature, enjoy and appreciate the experience without disturbing the animal.”

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Satisfied snake with a full bellyAs I was walking along a path in the woods, I noticed a commotion among the nearby trees. Curious, I went closer to investigate and found a small snake coiled around a bird that was three times its size. I watched in amazement as the snake opened its jaw wide and began to swallow the bird whole.I couldn’t believe my eyes as the snake slowly consumed the bird, stretching its jaw wider and wider to accommodate the larger prey. It was a macabre sight, but also a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of the natural world. The snake was relentless in its task, methodically swallowing the bird inch by inch. The bird’s feathers and wings protruded from the snake’s mouth as it worked its way down the prey’s body, swallowing it whole. As the snake finished its meal, it slowly slithered away, its bulging belly dragging on the ground. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and respect for this small creature’s incredible ability to adapt to its environment and thrive despite its size. The experience was a reminder that nature can be both beautiful and brutal, and that every creature has its place in the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Even a small snake can take down prey three times its size, and it is this raw power and adaptability that makes the natural world so fascinating and awe-inspiring.

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