A photo of a python lounging in a garage with a huge lump in its stomach has gone viral online, sparking curiosity and speculation about what the snake had eaten. The photo was sent to Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers, a snake removal service in Australia, by one of their followers, Paul, who spotted the snake in his garage.
The snake catchers shared the photo on their Facebook page on Monday, asking their followers to guess the snake’s meal. “What did this snake eat?! Wowzas!,” the post read. “Thanks to one of our followers, Paul, for sending this awesome photo in of a python with a belly full of food. They believe it was a large possum that the snake had eaten.”
The post also explained that the snake was resting and digesting its big meal, and that it was common for snakes to look for a large feed at this time of the year. “The snake was quite happy laying up for the next few days digesting its big meal,” the post continued. “It’s that time of year when snakes are looking for a big feed!”
The photo attracted hundreds of comments and reactions from the internet users, who were amazed and puzzled by the size and shape of the snake’s belly. Some of them agreed with the snake catchers that the snake had eaten a possum, while others suggested different animals, such as a dog, a goat, a pig, or even a human.
A Mystery Solved by the Snake Catchers
Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers, which is a team of professional and licensed snake catchers, said that they were not able to confirm the snake’s meal, as they did not catch the snake or see it in person. However, they said that they had a good idea of what the snake had eaten, based on their experience and knowledge of the local wildlife.
Stuart McKenzie, the owner and operator of the snake catching service, told news.com.au that he believed that the snake had eaten a large brush-tailed possum, which are common in the area. He said that the photo angle made the snake look bigger than it was, and that the snake was probably about three meters long.
McKenzie also said that pythons, which are non-venomous constrictors, are capable of eating animals that are larger than their own head, as they can unhinge their jaws and stretch their skin. He said that pythons can swallow their prey whole, and that it can take them several days or weeks to digest their food, depending on the size and temperature.
McKenzie also said that pythons are not a threat to humans or pets, as long as they are left alone and not provoked. He said that pythons are shy and docile creatures, and that they only attack when they feel threatened or hungry. He advised people to keep their pets indoors or in secure enclosures, and to call a snake catcher if they encounter a snake on their property.
A Fascinating Fact About the Python’s Digestion
Pythons, which are among the largest and longest snakes in the world, have a remarkable ability to digest their food, even if it is bigger than their own body. Pythons, which are cold-blooded animals, rely on the external heat to speed up their metabolism and digestion. Pythons, which have a slow and low metabolism, can go for months without eating, and can survive on just a few meals a year.
Pythons, which have a flexible and elastic stomach, can expand and contract to accommodate their food. Pythons, which have powerful and sharp teeth, can grip and hold their prey, and then wrap their muscular body around it to suffocate it. Pythons, which have a strong and acidic stomach, can dissolve and absorb their food, including the bones, fur, and feathers.
Pythons, which have a complex and efficient digestive system, can break down their food into nutrients and energy, and then store the excess fat in their body. Pythons, which have a high and fast digestion, can increase their heart rate and blood flow, and secrete more gastric juices and enzymes, to digest their food. Pythons, which have a low and slow digestion, can reduce their heart rate and blood flow, and secrete less gastric juices and enzymes, to conserve their energy.
