Drama Unfolds in Shoham Center as Snake Attempts to Swallow Hedgehog
This week, a dramatic scene unfolded in the Shoham center as several residents encountered a large black snake lying on the lawn near the dog park. The snake was observed to be motionless as it attempted to swallow a hedgehog. Thankfully, Aviad Bar, a reptile ecologist, was present at the scene and quickly assessed the situation.
Bar identified the snake as a non-venomous black snake and recognized that it was trying to eat a common hedgehog. However, as the snake made the decision to abandon its unusual meal, it realized it had made a grave mistake. The unidirectional positioning of the hedgehog’s spines prevented the snake from ejecting it, leading to the deaths of both animals in the tragic encounter.
Bar explained, “From the analysis of the situation that included a dead hedgehog in the mouth of an exhausted snake, it can be assumed that the snake tried to devour the hedgehog and as soon as he decided to abandon his unusual meal, he realized the magnitude of the mistake.”
The black snake species is the longest among the snakes in Israel and is not poisonous. In fact, it is considered useful in controlling rodents and even other venomous snakes in its distribution areas. Due to its great appetite and activity level, the black snake plays an important role in the ecosystem. Like all snakes in Israel, it is a protected species.
Israel is home to a total of 41 snake species, with the majority being harmless to humans. Only nine species are poisonous, and their venom is primarily used for hunting or self-defense. Snakes are crucial in maintaining the balance of the ecosystems in which they reside and are instrumental in limiting the proliferation of rodents and other pests.
This incident serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships within nature and the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife. The residents of Shoham Center have witnessed firsthand the consequences of interrupting this delicate balance.