Police patrolling in Alachua County in north central Florida witnessed an unusual fight between a falcon and a racer snake on May 7.
Police rescue falcon in distress. Video : Alachua County Police
Officers were called to a report of a wounded falcon lying on the road in a residential area outside Gainesville. When they arrived, they were shocked by the cause of the falcon’s injuries. It had been strangled by a racer snake in a deadly fight, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department. The small snake had wrapped itself tightly around the predator’s neck and the falcon was close to death.
The racer has a very strong grip and it took police more than a minute to remove the reptile. It is a black racer, a native North American snake found throughout Florida.
North American racers are nonvenomous snakes that pose no threat to humans. They have elongated bodies and grow to an average of 20 to 50 inches (50 to 142 centimeters), according to the Florida Museum. Racers live in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, scrublands, woodlands, and occasionally suburban residential areas. While not aggressive by nature, they will bite in self-defense, especially if pinned down by an attacker.
In mid-December of last year, a similar fight between a racer and a falcon took place in the same neighborhood. The snake was likely attacked by a hungry falcon and fought back in self-defense. After the fight, officers freed the falcon, which flew away while the snake slithered across the asphalt.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Department thanked officers who responded quickly to help both animals survive. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends that people avoid nesting areas and remove food sources such as rats that could attract snakes into homes.
An Khang (According to Newsweek )
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