On a tranquil day out in the Northern region of Kruger National Park, Giosuè Spinosa decided to explore the Shingwedzi River, a popular spot to observe crocodiles and hippos. An unexpected animal, however, caught his eye instead.
A black mamba was swiftly slithering along the sand towards the river’s edge with such speed that Spinosa could only assume that the snake intended to make a crossing. The movement caught both the eye of Spinosa and the animal he had hoped to see at the river.
Watch the sighting:
A Deadly Pursuit
One member of a group of sunbathing crocodiles, closest to the snake, decided that it would be an easy opportunity for a meal. Even though crocodiles are known to be agile, this croc was no match for the snake with its quick turns and speed!
With a frantic snap of its jaws, the croc’s teeth narrowly missed the black mamba’s tail as the lightning-fast serpent darted into the water. The snake made it safely past the crocodile, and swiftly swam to the other side of the river, leaving a frustrated predator in its wake.
Not Out of the Water Yet
Just when the black mamba thought it had outrun death, the treacherous clay on the riverbank betrayed it. Its slick, coiled body slowed as it struggled to escape, unaware that another crocodile had already locked eyes on it.
Seeing its opportunity, the crocodile made a mad dash across the river and effortlessly snatched up the snake with its powerful jaws. The thick, leathery skin of crocodiles allows them to be one of the few animals that don’t have to fear the venomous jaws of the Mamba.
The crocodile whipped the snake around with such intensity that it attracted the attention of a fish eagle! After a few seconds, the fish eagle quickly realized the meal belonged solely to the king of the river, and it flew away before finding out if the croc still had an appetite when it was done with the snake.
Game Over
If the powerful jaws and head thrashing hadn’t done this poor snake in, being dragged underwater certainly finished the job. Crocodiles will sometimes bring larger prey items into the water with them to drown them if necessary.
A palatal valve, in the back of their mouths allows the throats of crocodiles to be sealed off from both air and water. This allows them to swallow their prey underwater, an ability that is key to the hunting style of these water-dwelling predators.
Normally, crocodiles are nocturnal hunters, but if a good meal presents itself at the right time, such as the mamba, then hunger trumps habit.
No Creature Rules Without Rival
Black Mamba are one of the animals most feared by humans, with only two drops of their venom leading to death. While we may be afraid of these snakes, fear follows the food chain.
In the wild, even the deadliest hunters are never truly safe. For every ruler, there is a rival waiting to claim the throne—a lesson the black mamba learned the hard way.