Python eats 35kg goat at Kuranda
THERE was no kidding around for this 5m amethyst python when it came to dining out at Kuranda - it devoured a 35kg goat, horns and all.
The goat had gone missing from the Nathan Rd property bordering rainforest three weeks ago, when its owner stumbled on the enormous reptile, with a suspiciously large bump in its stomach.
The python had swallowed the pet goat and spent the next three days digesting its meal before it disappeared.
Neighbour Yuri Hagedorn kept a careful watch over the reptile and even put a corrugated iron shelter over it. Mr Hagedorn said the snake had been a regular visitor to the street.
"This particular python, I think because it's territorial, has been in the area for quite a while," he said.
"It eats mainly wallabies, and wallabies are as big as a goat."
Surviving goats from the woman's yard have since been donated to Kuranda's Uncle Pete's Petting Zoo.
Queensland Museum reptile curator Patrick Couper said amethyst pythons, also known as scrub pythons, were not shy about eating large prey.
"Large amethyst pythons will certainly eat tree kangaroos, they'll certainly eat wallabies," Mr Couper said.
"I've often seen photographs of large amethystines with bulky items in their gut like that.
"I believe they also take roadkill."
Stuart Douglas from the Australian Venom Zoo said scrub pythons were known to eat pets at Kuranda.
A 5m python at a Kuranda house in February stalked the owners' pet dog before eating it in March 2008.
"It's quite common for people's puppies to get eaten," Mr Douglas said.
More weird animal tales:
- Snake eats toad
- Frog eats a snake
- Python eats wallaby joey
- Killer rabbits attack snakes
- Monster python eats pet
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Bulging belly: The python with its fully belly after devouring a 35kg goat. Picture: NYKEA RALSTON
Left on its own: The twin of the goat that was eaten.
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