How and what snakes swallow is the source of many a myth. The number of people who think that an eight-foot snake will consume a person or a three-foot snake will eat their dog is amazing. While it is true that most snakes can swallow prey items that are bigger around than their head, and there are a very few large species that can consume a gazelle or other large prey, people’s imaginations tend to blow this ability out of proportion. Let’s look at the facts. The bones in a snake’s jaw are connected by elastic ligaments which allow their mouths to stretch around much larger items than would be possible with a rigid jaw.
This lesson is part of Certified Herpetological Guide. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 50 hours).
