Nothing is impossible: ѕᴜгргіѕed to wіtпeѕѕ a black-headed python eаtіпɡ its own kind. This scene often evokes a sense of the stark and eerie differences in the natural world. Di
The reason why snakes exhibit cannibalistic tendencies is due to stress or to prevent individuals from starving to death.
Nick Stock, a manager with the non-profit conservation group Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), while investigating the causes of some deliberate fires and property destruction in Queensland, stumbled upon an incredibly eerie scene.
In front of Nick’s astonished gaze, a giant python was devouring its own kind.
Nick recounted in shock, “That day, while scouting by the Archer River, located to the south of the conservation area, I encountered an image that made my heart skip a beat. It wasn’t until I got closer that I realized they were black-headed pythons (Aspidites melanocephalus), a species native to Australia, easily recognizable by their jet-black heads.”
Unlike many snake species that prey on mammals, black-headed pythons tend to seek out reptilian prey more often, sometimes even cannibalizing their own kind. In such cases, immature pythons are vulnerable to becoming prey for larger adults.
Currently, scientists have identified over 1,500 species of animals that exhibit cannibalistic behavior. While this concept may seem quite different and somewhat frightening to humans, it is not uncommon in the animal kingdom.
Cannibalism is not uncommon in the natural world; many snake or python species, for instance, also prey on their own kind.
Scientists have concluded that the reason snakes exhibit cannibalistic tendencies is often due to stress or to prevent individuals from starving, but there are also instances of it occurring randomly.
The tug-of-war between two giant snakes lasted about 15 minutes until the stronger one consumed the entire (still living) prey and then retreated about 3 meters away.
Snake season in Australia is just beginning. This is the time when the weather in Australia is warming up and when cold-blooded animals become more active and lively.
