Chilling photographs show a python swallowing a massive crocodile whole after it squeezed the life out of the larger reptile in a murky Australian swamp.
The snake’s slackened jaws can be seen devouring the freshwater crocodile while the rest of its muscular length constricts around the beast in Queensland. The bulging midriff of the olive python – Australia’s second largest snake – shows the bulk of the crocodile beneath its scaly skin and one gruesome picture shows the crocodile’s ridged tail indented on the snake’s throat.
Kayaker Martin Muller spotted the grisly scene while making his way down the swamps in Mount Isa and experts have revealed pythons will often target crocodiles despite the obvious risk.
GG Wildlife Rescue Inc owner Michelle Jones told Daily Mail Australia that she keeps two olive pythons as pets.
‘It’s common for them to eat pretty much anything if they can fit it in their mouth,’ she said. Ms Jones added that the pythons can ‘unhinge their jaw’ to extend their bite – and it was was not uncommon for them to attempt to eat a crocodile.
Unlike their saltwater counterparts, freshwater crocodiles will not attack humans unless in self-defence. And the olive python is not venomous.
The images were then posted to the GG Wildlife Rescue Inc Facebook page – and the post proved popular on social media, with 10,000 responses. Many were stunned a python would be able to overpower and eat a crocodile – while others wondered whether Mr Muller had put himself in danger to capture the extraordinary images.
‘Amazing pictures! I thought the croc would have won,’ commented one user. My only questions is why the f*** would any sane human being be kayaking in a place where there are snakes that can swallow a crocodile whole?’ asked another. This is definitely on my list of top 10 ways I don’t want to die.’
Video: Snake catcher discovers enormous python hiding under child’s bed
Source: dailymail
