is it true that a huge python swallowed many Japanese soldiers in the Burmese jungles during WW2?

Question

Legend has it that British planes dropped bombs on the huge python in the Burmese jungles during WW2


n when they cut up the huge python, they found many Japanese helmets in its belly



is it true ??



,

Answer 1

While a large Burmese python will have no trouble constricting a grown man and killing him, no snake has been large enough to swallow an adult man. They can't open their jaws large enough to swallow the shoulders.. Adults killed by large constrictors are normally found with slimy heads. The snake produces a lubrication to help the prey go down. But after failing to get past the shoulders, the snake gives up and 'spits' out the head and moves on to smaller prey. A snake would also be motivated by live prey only so you will never find a snake dumb enough to eat metal helmets which don't even smell like prey. I think the animal you need to look at is the saltwater crocodile. In Ramree Burma during WW2.

Answer 2

No, I don't believe it's true. But a number of battles that occured in Burma did have crocodiles that preyed upon retreating soldiers, particularly at night. But even then this (thankfully!), was not a common or daily occurence.