There are kills and then there are kills. Some are more obvious than others: lions killing buffalo, cheetah ambushing antelope. Then there are the ‘smaller kills’. This means smaller species engaged in predator-prey interactions.
Here, a Snouted Cobra captured and devoured a Monitor Lizard. The incredible moment did not go unnoticed by Andre, who captured it on film.
Cobra devours prey in view of spectators
The Snouted Cobra preys primarily on rodents, birds, toads, and other snakes, including the Puff Adder. It also preys on lizards, as in this instance.
The snake as a species is not typically aggressive. It will defend itself when threatened by raising its body and displaying a striking hood. It can also grow to over 2,5m in length!
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Its colour generally varies in shades of brown, although some individuals feature broad bands of light brown and purplish-black along their backs.
Here, the snake used its camouflage and stealth to catch an unsuspected likkewaan lizard. The lizard was left paralysed by the snake’s venom, which contains both neurotoxic and cytotoxic components. This potent combination gives the venom the power to lead to extensive tissue damage.
With the lizard firm in its grip and overcome by poisonous venom, the snake proceeded to devour the lizard.
Snake successfully paralyses likkewaan
The likkewaan, or Nile Monitor, is one of Africa’s largest and most fascinating reptiles. It can reach lengths of up to 2,4m, making it the largest lizard species in Africa.
Despite its impressive size, it is surprisingly agile, and capable of climbing trees with ease. This is where it met its fate when it crossed paths with a hungry Snouted Cobra.
The tree set the stage for the unusual and rare sighting. Andre managed to get his camera lens up close to capture the full spectacle of the moment.
Equipped with razor-sharp claws and strong, muscular jaws, the likkewaan is built for both offense and defense. Their backward-curved teeth help them grip and tear apart slippery prey such as fish and amphibians.
These features also make them skilled diggers and formidable opponents when threatened.
However, the snakes venom proved too much and the likkewaan hadn’t managed to defend itself in time.
Snouted Cobras will rely on their keen sense of smell and sight to detect prey. Moving slowly and silently, they will approach with caution to avoid alerting their target.
This one must’ve executed a faultless strategy to have caught such a relatively large prey.
Likkewaan feeds on lizard
Once within striking distance, the cobra will launch a rapid strike, delivering venom through its hollow fangs. The potent venom allows the cobra to subdue even larger or dangerous animals like other snakes (including venomous ones, like Puff Adders).
In this instance, its venom was powerful enough to subdue a lizard as large as this massive likkewaan.
Once the prey is dead or immobilised, the cobra will swallow it whole, head-first. Its flexible jaws and expandable body allow it to consume animals much larger than its head.
While this likkewaan might have caused indigestion for many, the snake was well able to consume it and enjoy the feast!
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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