Environment

Snake Tries to Eat its Own Tail, Almost Chokes to Death

by Amy Judd | December 1, 2009 at 06:01 pm

429 views | 6 Recommendations | 2 comments

A pet snake in the UK had to get emergency surgery after it tried to eat its own tail for its dinner.

The pet snake, Reggie, is a 3ft kingsnake, and he almost had to be put down when it took a bite of its own tail, but then couldn't let go of it due to its backward facing teeth. The tail had luckily not been digested as the owner noticed Reggie choking.

“Its teeth were acting like a ratchet,” Mr Reynolds told the Daily Mail. “If a snake like this one is kept in a space that is too small then there is always a temptation for it to lunge at its own tail.

Reggie thought his own tail was another snake, and kingsnakes have been known to feast on other snakes for food. Due to him not being able to spread himself out, he didn't know that it was in fact his own tail.

Kingsnakes are popular choices for pet snakes as they are easy to care for and are non-venemous.

Reggie will make a full recovery however.