The snake died instantly because… of greed

The unlucky snake met a “difficult” opponent. As a result, the more the snake tried to swallow the fish, the snake’s spines pierced the esophageal wall, causing serious injuries and even death.

Close-up of a fish stuck in a snake’s throat (Photo: Nicolas Fuento).

Snakes are famous for their self-expanding mouths, allowing them to handle most difficult prey. But a fish-eating water snake of the viperine family (natrix maura) had an accident when the fish got stuck in its throat.

The encounter was recorded by photographer Nicolas Fuento at Carcès Lake, located in southeastern France.

Fuento believes this was a failed hunting attempt by the snake, as it chose the wrong opponent. The fish stuck in the snake’s throat is actually not a native fish, but an invasive species.

This species called ruffe often invades through man-made canals or escapes from bait tanks used by anglers.

Their characteristic is that they have very hard and sharp dorsal fins (spikes). They will stand up when the fish feels threatened, and even when the fish is dead.

Invasive species have caused the deaths of many water snakes that eat native fish (Photo: Nicolas Fuento).

When snakes try to swallow these fish, they will be pierced by spines into the esophageal wall, causing severe injuries, and cannot release them due to the unique mechanism of the spines.

Researchers say the invasive species is considered a new threat to the survival of native fish-eating snakes. Specifically, in recent years, the rate of fish-eating snakes killed by their prey is up to 26%, and most of it is due to invasive species.

In most cases, the snake will not survive without help.