Buff striped keelback catching frog

[Samrat Sarkar]

While observing minutely the courtship behavior of Orange-headed Thrush, I suddenly noticed a movement in nearby bush and saw a frog being targeted by a Buff striped keelback snake.

Canon EOS 7D + Canon 500mm f4 + Monopod
ISO 500, 1/640, f4, -0.3, full frame.

[Samrat Sarkar]

The snake tightly held the hind leg of the frog in its mouth.

[Samrat Sarkar]

The frog was desperately trying to free itself but wasn't really succeeded.

[Samrat Sarkar]

Look at the fear in the frog's eyes.

[Samrat Sarkar]

The snake was trying lift the frog.

[Samrat Sarkar]

The snake was trying take away the frog in the bushes. So its started dragging the frog.

[Samrat Sarkar]

Meanwhile the frog surrendered its life.
All the images are full frame images. EXIF same.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Nice to see this. How long did this action last?

When the snake is lifting its hood while holding the leg of the frog, it becomes difficult for the frog to continue to get grip off the ground. Finally the frog gives up. You can't fight if you are imbalanced. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Mrudul Godbole]

When you were observing one natural history moment, another moment unfolded before you :). The low angle looks good. The whole series very nicely documented. It is seen that the snake doesn't immediately try to swallow the frog, but drags him away. Is this how it kills normally? Thanks for sharing.

[Samrat Sarkar]

@Sabyasachi da, that action lasts for 15 to 20 second which I have seen. Then the snake disappeared into bush.
@Mrudul ji, the snake didn't swallow the frog in that place. I have noticed that they try to drag the pray to a safe place to eat.