Mongooses are small carnivorous creatures with a reputation for fearlessness. In this footage, we see one make short work of a potentially deadly snake.
Aneli Heyneke submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while visiting South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Movement from a distance
As Aneli told Latest Sightings, she was driving along one of Kruger’s roads when she saw frantic movement in the distance. Then, as she got closer, a small creature ran off, leaving a snake writhing on the road.
Eager to know what had been wrestling with the snake, Aneli parked a short distance away and waited. A short while later, a mongoose appeared and she started filming.
As Aneli’s video begins, we see the mongoose biting the snake. It is a slender mongoose, easily recognised by its reddish-brown, lithe body, and black-tipped tail.
Slender mongooses are widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and are mainly found in savannah and semi-arid habitats.
Deadly prey
Subsequently, the mongoose resumed its attack on the snake. However, initially, we find it difficult to determine the species as the reptile curls up.
But, as the mongoose thrashed it about, the snake unfurled, revealing a white belly and some very distinctive markings on its back.
Along with its thick body, it is easily identified as a puff adder. These typically sluggish reptiles are one of the most common and widespread snakes in Africa.
Additionally, they are responsible for the most venomous snakebites on the continent. This is because they are well camouflaged and often bask on footpaths.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Snake vs mongoose
However, for this unfortunate snake, this time it is the prey. Mongooses prey on snakes, although they do not form a major part of their diets.
As we see in the video footage, the mongoose moves very quickly. Additionally, lightning quick reflexes help them avoid being bitten.
Meanwhile, when the mongoose pauses its attack, the puff adder adopts its typical s-shaped defensive posture. From this position, puff adders can strike out in all directions, even backwards.
Additionally, they can strike up to a third of their body length. Accordingly, the mongoose waits just out of reach of its deadly fangs.
Never Miss A Viral Safari Video
Sightings like this mongoose attacking puff addder are very popular with our members. To be among the first to see our latest sighting videos, join our exclusive alert list. Click the button below to join the WhatsApp chat right now, and never miss another thrilling moment.
Not fighting back
Despite its lethal venom, it is interesting to note that the snake does not strike at all during the footage. Puff adder venom is cytotoxic, meaning that it destroys cells, leading to a slow, painful death.
The most likely explanation for this is that the mongooses’ repeated attacks on its head have caused shock and possibly serious injury.
Throughout its attack, the mongoose specifically targets the snake’s head. This strategy means that it renders the snake defenceless in the shortest time.
According to Aneli, the mongoose bit the snake until it was dead, before dragging it into the long grass. That’s a big meal for a small creature.