Neil Hurst and his wife Jane were fortunate enough to discover an Eastern Brown Snake, Pseudonaja textilis, cannibalising an unfortunate member of its species on their property in South East Australia. This is not unheard of; there is a preserved Eastern Brown Snake specimen at the CSIRO Australian National Wildlife Collection with a cannibalised snake in its stomach. It is nonetheless a very rare event! Neil had the following to say:

“My wife Jane and I plus our Dalmatian dogs live on the western escarpment overlooking the Hoskinstown Plain south of Bungendore. Since we bought the property nearly 30 years ago we have come to accept, perhaps somewhat reluctantly, that we would have to share with the local wildlife; snakes included. Jane even trod on one when getting out of the car in the carport soon after we arrived, although the snake fled as fast as she did. The snakes and us have had our moments, including one evening finding one hiding behind the TV in the corner of the lounge. Wildcare (02 6299 1966) are a not-for-profit service that do injured wildlife rescues, including snake removal, and were able to collect that one while Jane stayed on top of the dining table. Our Dalmatians have had a few encounters – almost always ending badly for the snake.

One day our youngest dally by the name of Rose gave us indications of the presence of a pair of snakes by propping and pointing at them while we were walking back from the home paddock gate early one morning. The snakes were about 2.5 metres away on the other side of the rabbit proof fence which surrounds our house. At first I couldn't quite make them out because they were coiled around each other but quite still. Eventually the snakes and I got fed up with watching each other. I called for Jane to bring the camera while the larger of the brown snakes, having decided I didn't want to share his/her breakfast, re-commenced eating. Rose continued to point at the snakes quivering from head to tail. Attached are the photographs I took while I watched the eating process.  Eventually the large brown snake moved away to the west quite quickly, glancing back occasionally, possibly to ensure he/she wasn't being followed.”

Photos and a short video of the incident are available below:

The ACT Herpetological Association has presented a cheque for $5,591 dollars to the Australian National Botanic Gardens in return for support provided presenting Snakes Alive! 2009.

ANBG will use the money to invest in research and education prgrams and is developing a strong herpetofauna focus.