One snake stole a massive egg and consumed it entirely, seemingly deforming its body in the process. However, the reptile survived.

Snake Steals, Consumes A Huge Egg

Frank De Beer, a wildlife photographer, was in the perfect location at a perfect time when a snake stole an egg from blacksmith lapwings. It consumed and swallowed the entire egg that was bigger than its head, transforming the snake into what appeared like a balloon, UPI reported.

According to De Beer, they were sitting next to a water hole and enjoying a hot cup of coffee admiring the views. As they packed their things up, they heard a pair of unhappy Blacksmith Lapwings, which are protective births common in the savannahs of sub-Sahara Africa.

They got their name from their distinctive metallic calls, which sound like the ringing of a blacksmith’s hammer on an anvil. These birds are territorial and overly protective of their nests, which they build in open spaces.

When they get near the area, they saw a snake slithering with intent in the lapwings’ direction. Snakes are famous for their ability to swallow eggs whole, which is part of their diet.

According to De Beer, the lapwings went into attack mode and pecked at the egg eater before it drove away. However, the snake was persistent and was able to avoid the attacks. It eventually reached the nest.

The lapwings continued to attack the snake, but it was no match to the latter’s speed and agility. Just within seconds, the snake was able to grab one of its eggs and swallowed it whole.

De Beer was able to film the moment the snake stole the egg and attempted to swallow it. The reptile had a hard time pushing it onto its throat, but it managed.

According to the photographer, the snake disappeared into the thickets, leaving the lapwings to mourn their loss.

How Can Snakes Swallow Preys Bigger Than Their Heads?

According to Pets on Mom, snakes have separated lower jaws and it is the reason they can consume prey bigger than their heads. Instead of being attached with bone or being one piece, the two sides of their jaws have stretchy ligaments allowing each to move independently from the other.

When they eat a meal, in particular, one that is much larger than itself, the snake will walk the right and left lower jaw, one after the other, up to the body of its prey. Along with its backward-curved teeth, the snake can move the prey further into its body.

The muscles in the snake’s esophagus contract to push the food toward its stomach. Unlike humans and other animals that need to chew their food into smaller bites, the snake’s body and skin stretch to accommodate the full size of the prey.

Video: Snake Turns into a Balloon After Stealing Huge Egg