Python Swallows Crocodile Whole

This post on Facebook shows a huge olive python devouring an entire freshwater crocodile in one huge mouthful.

These photos were taken in Australia by Martin Muller who spotted the two battling animals while kayaking around the swamps of Mount Isa in Queensland. Somehow not terrified by the grisly sight, he stuck around long enough to get some images of the snakes meal. GG Wildlife Rescue Inc have shared the photographs on their Facebook page, to their audiences surprise.

Olive pythons are one of the largest species of snake in Australia, capable of growing up to terrifying 4 meters in length. While they have been known to feast on large reptiles, such as monitor lizards or crocodiles, their diet is generally made up of smaller creatures, including birds, bats, and rats. It’s not a one way street with snakes and crocodiles though, crocodiles often eat snakes too. (As we know crocodiles will eat anything).

As most snakes do, this crocodile was devoured in one long mouthful. But contrary to popular belief, their jaws don’t actually detach during this swallowing process. Instead, the two lower jaws move independently of one another, allowing the whole jaw to move more freely when it needs a little extra wiggle room for larger prey. For something as large as this crocodile, (which was probably just short of 5 feet from head to tail), it could take several months to digest, meaning this Python is going to have a pretty full stomach for a while!