PYTHON ‘SCREAMS’ AFTER HORNS FROM SWALLOWED IMPALA PIERCE BODY CAUSING LIFE THREATENING INJURIES
A python appeared to scream after horns from an impala it swallowed pierced its body leaving it with life threatening injuries.
The four-metre-long snake was filmed on an Africam webcam at Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, on February 3 trying to enjoy a large meal.
Incredible footage showed the female python regurgitating the impala having decided it was too big.
In the process of trying to remove the antelope from its throat, the animal’s horns pierced through its skin leaving massive injuries.
A spokesperson from Africam said: “We’ve never captured this before on camera, although it can happen on occasion.
“Pythons can swallow animals with horns because their digestive systems are designed to handle and break down tough materials. In this case, the impala was too large for the snake.”
The snake was transported to Snake Pharm, South Africa’s premier centre for snake expertise.
Upon arrival, the python received immediate medical treatment, including deworming, antibiotics, and wound care.
This was supplemented with daily IV fluids due to its inability to drink from a traumatic tear injury to the lower mandible.
After a week of daily monitoring and fluid administration, the snake underwent debridement surgery under sedation.
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