How Do Reticulated Pythons Kill?

The reticulated python is a patient creature and it lies in wait for its prey while coiled up around the branch of a tree. When a prey animal passes within reach the snake lunges out suddenly, catching the animal by surprise. It clamps the prey in its long sharp teeth and then the massive bulk of the snake winds round the helpless animal. By tightening its hold, the snake slowly suffocates the life out of its prey, or causes its blood vessels to burst.

Either way, it is not a pleasant death for the animal. Once dead, the python then sets about swallowing its prey whole. The reticulated python has an awesome reputation for swallowing – one has been known to swallow a 35 kg goat in the space of one hour. After this sort of meal, the python dozes and may not eat again for weeks or even months as it slowly digests its enormously full stomach.

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