THE Bluff family’s missing egg mystery was solved this week when they discovered a southern brown egg eater snake in their chicken coop, caught mid-meal with an egg still in its mouth.

Professional snake catcher Warren Dick received a call from a woman explaining that in the past few days they had not been collecting as many eggs from their chickens. When the woman and her husband checked the chicken coop, they discovered the culprit – an egg eater snake with its mouth full. Luckily the husband managed to contain the snake while also taking some pictures and a video for identification. The snake was safely removed and relocated.

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The southern brown egg eater is harmless, in fact they don’t even have teeth. They average around 75cm in length but can exceed 1m.

They are skilled egg finders and can consume a few eggs in one sitting. The egg is swallowed whole where it is then cracked by a specialised boney protrusion in the throat, the inners of the egg are swallowed, and the shell is regurgitated.

When threatened they put on quite a display, rubbing their keeled scales (having a distinct ridge down the centre) together, making a hissing sound, gaping the mouth widely and striking viciously, however usually never actually making contact with their attacker.

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These snakes have a distinct feel, their scales are very keeled, making their skin feel like coarse sandpaper.

While egg eaters are safe to handle, it could easily be confused with a female boomslang, so never handle any snake that you do not know. Rather keep your eyes on the snake, try and get a picture from a safe distance, and call an expert.

For snake relocation, contact Warren on 072 211 0353.

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