Scientist Reveals How Snakes Kill Through Slow-Motion Footage

A groundbreaking study conducted by herpetologist and senior lecturer in anatomy, Bill Ryerson, has shed light on the mysterious ways in which snakes kill their prey. Ryerson, from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, dedicated years to filming slow-motion footage of snakes attacking their prey, using an Edgertronic SC-1 high-speed camera that recorded at an astonishing 1,000 frames per second.

The main challenge faced by Ryerson was capturing the precise moment when the snakes struck their prey in a perpendicular manner to the camera, allowing for accurate motion analysis. However, despite the difficulties, the fascinating slow-motion footage that Ryerson managed to capture revealed striking insights into the various strategies employed by these reptiles.

Ryerson's research classified snakes into two main groups: "strikers" and "lungers." The most noticeable distinction between the two lies in their teeth, specifically their shape, position, and size. By examining these teeth, beyond just the fangs, scientists can now predict the speed and manner of a snake's strike.

The video footage showed that "strikers" such as boa constrictors and pythons attack with lightning speed from above, using needlelike teeth at the front of their lower jaw to impale their prey. They then wrap their head over and around to inject venom via their fangs or squeeze the animal to death. On the other hand, "lungers" strike more slowly, not opening their mouths as wide, and make contact with both jaws simultaneously.

This research is significant as it challenges the conventional focus on fangs when studying snake attacks. The study highlights the importance of considering the overall teeth structure, providing valuable insight into how these creatures have evolved their killing techniques. Ryerson's findings were recently published in the book "Snakes: Morphology, Function, and Ecology," edited by David Penning.

The mesmerizing slow-motion footage captured by Ryerson reveals an exciting new perspective on how snakes hunt and kill their prey. This research not only contributes to our understanding of these fascinating creatures but also opens doors for further investigations into their evolutionary adaptations. It serves as a reminder of the endless wonders found within the animal kingdom and the tireless efforts of scientists like Bill Ryerson to unravel its mysteries.