CANNIBAL SNAKE: Shock moment serpent is caught on camera eating fellow snake
THIS is the shocking moment a cannibalistic snake was caught on camera - eating another snake.
This is the shocking moment a cannibalistic snake was caught on camera - eating another snake
The hungry cobra was spotted sinking its fangs into a mole snake before devouring it - and it did not make light work of its serpent supper, taking almost one hour to finish it.
The unusual images of the cannibal serpent were captured by Thinus van Staden while on holiday in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa.
Mr Van Staden, 40, said he was just 20 metres away from the action when he captured the images.
He said: "This photo opportunity came as a big surprise.
It is quite difficult just to see a snake, let along one snake eating another
"I was the only one who witnessed it. It was in the heat of the day, so most other holiday makers were resting in the camp.
"I must admit, given that both are snakes, I didn't feel sorry for the Mole Snake.
"If it would've been a mammal, I probably would have felt different.
The cobra sizes up the moles snake, sinking its fangs into the snakes' flesh
Photographer Thinus van Staden was just 20 metres away from the snakes
The cannibalistic serpent devoured the mole snake whole
"I was, however, very glad that I wasn't in the Cobra's path.
"I've been taking photographs long before digital photography started, but I've never ever seen something like this. Not even close.
"To be honest, it is quite difficult just to see a snake, let along one snake eating another."