Boa Constrictor.............?

Question

I recently saw pictures of a Boa Constrictor in the process of swallowing a whole adult kangaroo on the the internet.

My question, does a Boa Constrictor first survey the area for predators before tackling such a task? I mean, if a predator did happen to stumble upon this snake, while in the process of digesting it's meal, it would mean 2 meals in one for the happy predator.

Answer 1

Boas and other constrictor snakes are opportunistic hunters which will target a prey item that may fit their need for nutrition. They are generalistic in nature, meaning that their diet does not rely upon a specific type or species. This allows them to target any unsuspecting creature that may live in the general vicinity.

These snakes are voracious swallowers when they eat. These snakes can expand their jaws through their intramandibular joint, allowing their mouths to open much wider than expected. However, once one of these snakes has eaten its prey, it will not need to feed again for months.

Most full grown boas and pythons are not usual predatory targets. It would be possible for a strong predator to attack a boa during consumption of a prey item, but a double meal may not in the best interest of the outside party.

Answer 2

Just a comment on your question.

Boa Constrictors are from South and Central America, where as Kangaroos are from Australia. Also Boa Constrictor sizes tend to be exaggerated. They are usually not giant snakes. Usually. What you saw was probably a Python of some sort.

They do not survey surrounding areas. As stated by another person here, they are top of the line predators and are not hunted by much in the wild (as adults that is.) Also the snake can usually regurgated the half swallowed meal fairly quickly.

Icehound should get the vote for best answer.

Answer 3

It was probably an Amethyst python, which i think are native to Australia, this is a snake that kills by constriction, but a Boa constrictor is a species of snake found from central to south America.
Snakes are very 'jumpy' when they are eating and will regurgitate their food if disturbed, I have a Boa constrictor and he will not eat if he is disturbed too much. After the initial strike and constriction of the prey the snake uncoils and 'sniffs' the animal from head to tail (with its tongue), it is often quite a while before it begins the process of eating, probably giving enough oppurtunity to ensure theres no predators in the immediate vicinity. But a snake like that is pretty vulnerable when its in the middle of ingesting a big meal, and for a while afterwards.

Answer 4

Nope, it doesn't survey .. it just waits in a place.... and a boa doesn't quite have that much of a voracious appetite... for example as u just mentioned about eating a whole kangaroo... that's enough for it for anywhere between 6 to 9 months...

cheers

Answer 5

i dont know but i watched a vid of an anaconda regurgitating a baby hippo (still huge) on break.com