Wildlife encounters can be full of surprises, but what happened in Georgia in November 2023 left even experienced wildlife experts in awe. During a routine survey of eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi), wildlife technicians from Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stumbled upon an astonishing sight — a 4-foot-long indigo snake that had vomited up two smaller snakes. Even more remarkable? One of the expelled snakes was still alive.
A Shocking Discovery in the Wild
While carrying out their regular wildlife monitoring in southern Georgia, the DNR team found the indigo snake alongside two other serpents — a juvenile rat snake and a young eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus). The larger snake had evidently swallowed both of them whole, but for reasons not yet fully understood, regurgitated its prey.
At first glance, both smaller snakes appeared lifeless. The team assumed neither had survived the experience. But just as they were coming to terms with the strange discovery, the unexpected happened: the rattlesnake began to stir.
The Rattlesnake’s Remarkable Recovery
Roughly an hour after the DNR team found the regurgitated snakes, the young rattlesnake suddenly came to life, slithering away from the scene as if nothing had happened. It was later spotted basking in the sun, showing no signs of trauma or distress from its harrowing experience.
According to the DNR, the rattlesnake’s surprising recovery was made even more intriguing by another unusual observation — the snake had a large bulge in its midsection, suggesting it had recently consumed a mouse. Despite being eaten and expelled, it had not only survived but also managed to digest its own meal along the way.
Predatory Behavior and the Risks of Large Prey
While it might seem shocking, snakes consuming one another isn’t entirely uncommon in the wild. Many species, including the eastern indigo snake, are known for their ability to hunt and consume other snakes, often swallowing prey close to their own size. The sheer scale of the indigo snake’s hunting ability, demonstrated by its ability to consume both a rat snake and a rattlesnake, is a testament to its prowess as a predator.
However, consuming large prey comes with risks. When a snake takes on a meal that’s too big or dangerous, it can run into trouble. If the prey is too large, the snake may struggle to swallow it, leading to regurgitation. This is particularly true when a snake is threatened or stressed, which may have been the case in this instance.
Similar Incidents: Snakes vs. Their Meals
Snakes attempting to eat oversized prey have led to some extraordinary wildlife moments. In June 2022, for example, a Georgia resident captured an eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) devouring a much larger timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) in an epic display of snake-on-snake predation.
And in another bizarre incident documented in August 2023, a Burmese python (Python bivittatus) in Indonesia attempted to swallow an even larger reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) tail-first — a feeding feat that shocked researchers.
However, the dangers of consuming large prey don’t end there. In February 2022, a rim rock crowned snake (Tantilla oolitica) in Florida met its end after attempting to eat a centipede. The snake was found dead with the centipede lodged in its mouth, having choked during the feeding attempt. Similar risks have been observed in other cases, where snakes must balance their impressive appetites with the very real dangers of overconsumption.
Why Did the Indigo Snake Regurgitate?
The exact reason why the indigo snake vomited up its prey remains uncertain. One theory suggests that it may have been trying to avoid choking, a common risk when snakes attempt to swallow large or particularly difficult meals. Given that both the rat snake and rattlesnake were relatively sizable prey, the indigo snake may have regurgitated them to prevent choking.
Alternatively, the snake could have been startled by the presence of nearby wildlife experts. Stress is a known factor that can cause snakes to regurgitate their meals, especially if they feel threatened. It’s possible the indigo snake vomited up its prey to flee from what it perceived as danger.
A Testament to Resilience in the Wild
Despite the shocking nature of this encounter, the regurgitated rattlesnake’s survival serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of wildlife. The snake’s ability to bounce back from such a traumatic experience — even with a mouse in its belly — showcases just how adaptable these creatures are in the wild.
Meanwhile, the indigo snake’s impressive hunting behavior is further evidence of the species’ dominance as a predator. As one of the largest non-venomous snakes native to North America, the eastern indigo snake is renowned for its ability to take on a wide range of prey, including other snakes. This incident highlights not only the indigo’s formidable hunting skills but also the unpredictable and often brutal reality of life in the wild.
Final Thoughts
While the sight of a snake vomiting up two others is undeniably unusual, it’s just another example of the incredible, and sometimes baffling, behaviors that occur in nature. The eastern indigo snake’s ability to consume and expel such large prey is a testament to its power and adaptability. And as for the resilient rattlesnake that survived the ordeal? It continues to be an extraordinary reminder of the wonders of the natural world.
