An incredible scene unfolded in front of a Northern Territory Park Ranger this week. Ranger Paul O’Neill of the Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine was patrolling in the early hours of the morning when he heard a raucous cacophony of bird noises coming from beyond the park’s tourist centre. Upon closer inspection the surprised ranger was confronted with a large olive phython attempting to swallow a young wallaby. Paul was able to take several photos as the snake consumed the not-so-small marsupial.
Mr Greg Smith a representative for the National Park said the snake had nearly bitten off more than it could chew with this particular meal.”That is just about the biggest prey it could eat,” he said. “The snake is only a medium build and would probably start to hunt for more tucker within four to eight weeks, but that wallaby would take about five to seven days to digest completely and the snake would go and hide for at least a month.”
Greg admitted for his plethora of experience breeding and dealing with a multitude of different species and varieties of snakes, that they all have difference appetites. “That meal would be sufficient to sustain that snake for at least three months, however some snakes will start looking for food again even if they are overweight and have just eaten.”
While olive pythons don’t often show themselves in southern Queensland its always interesting to see just what these amazing creatures are capable of. If you need help with identifying a snake in or around your home or having it removed to a safer location, please get in touch with one of our friendly staff as soon as possible. Our technicians are all trained in identifying and safe removal of snakes, and will be able to help you with your problematic python immediately.
