Snake Eating a Human: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Snakes are one of the most feared animals in the world. From ancient times to the present day, stories of snakes eating humans have been told and re-told. In this article, we’ll explore the reality behind these stories and look at what actually happens when a snake eats a person.
Can Snakes Eat Humans?
Most snakes are not big enough to swallow an adult human, but some species of constrictor snakes can grow large enough to do so. The average length of the largest species of constrictor snakes—the anaconda and the reticulated python—is 12–15 feet (3.7–4.6 meters). An adult human is typically 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 meters) tall or taller, so it’s possible for a large snake to consume an adult human.
How Does a Snake Eat a Human?
If a snake attempts to eat a human, it will usually start by coiling its body around the victim’s body and squeezing tightly. This is known as constriction. The snake will then use its sharp, backward-facing teeth to grab hold of the victim and pull them into its body. Once the victim is inside the snake’s body, the snake will use its muscles to push the victim further down its digestive tract.
What Happens to the Human While They’re Being Eaten?
The human victim will typically experience extreme pain, fear, and panic as they are being consumed. They may also experience difficulty breathing due to the constriction of the snake’s body. If the snake is large enough, the victim may even experience organ failure caused by the pressure of the snake’s body around their chest.
Do Snakes Prefer to Eat Humans?
No, snakes do not prefer to eat humans. In fact, most snakes avoid humans and will only attack if they feel threatened. However, if a snake is hungry, it may attack a human if it believes they are prey. This is why it is important to be aware of your surroundings when in the presence of wild snakes.
What Are the Most Common Snakes That Eat Humans?
The most common snakes that eat humans are large constrictor snakes such as the anaconda and the reticulated python. These snakes can grow up to 12–15 feet (3.7–4.6 meters) in length and are capable of consuming an adult human.
Are Humans Nutritious for Snakes?
No, humans are not particularly nutritious for snakes. In fact, most snakes will try to avoid eating humans because our bodies are not an ideal source of nutrition. However, if a snake is very hungry, it may attempt to consume a human in order to survive.
Are There Any Cases of Snakes Eating Humans?
Yes, there have been a few reported cases of snakes eating humans. In 2017, a 12-foot-long reticulated python was found to have consumed a 25-year-old man in Indonesia. In 2019, another python was found to have consumed a 54-year-old man in India. In both cases, the victims were small enough to have been consumed by the snakes.
Conclusion
Although it is possible for a large snake to consume an adult human, it is rare for snakes to attack humans. Most snakes prefer to eat smaller prey such as rodents, birds, and other small animals. If you encounter a snake in the wild, it is important to remain calm and move away slowly in order to avoid being attacked.