While out walking, Mike found an American Toad, Bufo americanus, in a load of trouble. Apparently, an Eastern Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, had snuck up on the toad and was proceeding to eat it alive. WARNING-The following pictures are a bit graphic.
I have never seen a garter snake eat a toad, and never imagined they could swallow a toad that large. Amazing! (Mmmmffff, delicious toad burger.)
This pic really shows the toad puffed up. One of the toad's defense mechanisms is to inflate himself to appear larger and to make it difficult for the snake to swallow him. The toad has its legs spread out to further deter the snake. (I am gianormous, you cannot eat me, snake.)Here the snake has really expanded its jaw to swallow the toad. They can unhinge their jaw to swallow prey much larger than their head. If we could do this, we could swallow a melon whole. It also looks like the toad has given in to its fate.
This photo is great because it looks as if the snake has arms. By now, I would think the toad knows it is a goner.
This photo shows the large lump the toad has made in the snake's belly.
This last look shows the toad's leg pushing against the side of the snakes belly. Is he kicking? Waving goodbye? Or possibly another common American hand signal... Poor toad!
Thanks, Mike for the great pics!
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16 comments:
Very interesting pictures :)
Amazing shots !!!
The nature is BEAUTIFUL ;)
Oh, that was awesome! I'm going to send some of my friends to your blog to see this.
Good grief! These are incredible - how amazing to get that series of shots. That last photo of the leg being pushed against the belly of the snake is great. As Anya said - nature is beautiful. :)
omigod, this post is very impressive, fabulous picture's sequence.
Happy Camera Critters
purrs and love
Luna
I would never have thought a snake would eat a toad either...amazing photos.
Toad will never win.
Great pics.
Interesting series of photos, but I felt sorry for the poor toad. Thanks for sharing your critter.
nature is cool in pictures but never need to see them
Ugh!!!!! I´m glad that kind of snake does not exist in sweden ;-)
amazing pics
Wow, interesting series! I can't help feeling badly for the toad, but seeing both the defense and predatory designs of both creatures in action is fascinating!
I feel a little bad for the toad, but the snake needs to survive as well. Very cool picture sequence.
Calico Contemplations
Wow, what a series! Fantastic job! Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks everyone for stopping by and the great comments. Nature never ceases to amaze me!
I saw a similar scene a few years ago at a local nature area. I heard the toad or frog persistently calling, which drew my attention to what was going on. I felt so sorry for it!
I was hoping the toad would get away. :(
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