Contributors Julian Geerts and Benny Salzar sent this dramatic video to Latest Sightings. They witnessed the action at Kumana Dam on the H1-3 between Tshokwane and Satara Camp in the Kruger National Park.
Basking crocodile
As the video commences, we see a Nile crocodile lying in the shallows at the edge of the dam. At first glance, it appears that it is just basking in the sun.
However, moments later, a large snake shocks us by rearing up and attacking the crocodile. The snake is a South African rock python.
Surprisingly, the snake bites the crocodile right on the tip of its snout. It is only at this point that we realise that the crocodile has seized the large python in its jaws. This explains the snake striking out at it.
Violent reaction
Predictably, the crocodile reacts violently to the snake’s counter-attack. It thrashes its head and in so doing reveals that it has the python by the tail.
Attempted escape
Naturally, the snake wants to escape from the crocodile. It tries to swim away, but the croc’s powerful jaws hold it firmly.
Crocodiles have sharply pointed, conical teeth on both the upper and lower jaws. When the croc closes its mouth, these interlock, making it incredibly difficult for soft prey like a snake to escape.
Firmly in control
Much larger and more powerful than the python, the crocodile is firmly in control of the situation. However, it is finding it difficult to kill its writhing prey.
Typically, crocodiles will thrash their prey about and perform their notorious “death roll” in an effort to dismember their prey. However, when it tries these methods, they do not work as effectively as expected.
Injuries accumulate
Despite not being able to kill the snake outright, we can safely assume that all the thrashing about must be causing the snake harm. This becomes clear when we catch a glimpse of a fleshy wound at the base of the snake’s tail.
Even so, the desperate snake is not about to give up. As we continue to watch, the snake tries in vain to get free of the crocodile’s deadly grip. However, even when it attempts to coil around the croc, it is easily dislodged.
As the battle continues, it swings between the snake trying to crawl away and the croc thrashing it about in an effort to tear it apart.
However, by now it is clear that this is not to be the snake’s lucky day. As the thrashing continues, the snake’s movements get progressively weaker.
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Punishment continues unabated
Meanwhile, the crocodile continues to deliver crushing bites along the length of the python’s body, certainly damaging its internal organs in the process.
Unfortunately, the video concludes before we can see a definitive outcome. However, given the beating the snake has received, it is safe to assume that the crocodile was ultimately victorious.
While this interaction is not frequently seen, it is not unexpected.
Crocodiles are highly evolved ambush predators and will attempt to capture a wide range of creatures as they come down to the tranquil waters in which they lurk.