A dramatic encounter in the wild recently showed just how powerful a large python can be — even strong enough to deter hungry jackals.
On a game drive, visitor Jordan Kriel came across a surprising wildlife moment. A large python had wrapped itself tightly around what appeared to be freshly killed prey. Nearby, two jackals seemed interested in scavenging a meal, but they soon learned that this snake was not to be messed with.
Jackals are opportunistic feeders and rarely pass up the chance to scavenge, especially when a large predator appears to have already made a kill. As the jackals approached, their curiosity was clear: they moved cautiously closer, tails low and ears forward, as if evaluating the situation.
But instead of taking advantage of the situation, the jackals quickly backed away. The python was coiled securely around its prey, displaying its incredible strength and grip. Pythons kill by constriction — wrapping their bodies around prey and tightening until the animal can no longer breathe — and this same power clearly served as a strong deterrent to the smaller scavengers.
The jackals circled at a safe distance, occasionally pausing to glance toward the python. They seemed interested, but reluctant to challenge the massive snake. Ultimately, they decided it wasn’t worth the risk and moved off to look for easier opportunities.
This encounter offered a rare look at how even experienced scavengers will avoid confrontation when faced with a formidable opponent. The python’s strength and presence sent a clear message: not all meals are worth the danger.
For those on the game drive, it was a memorable reminder of the delicate balance between predator, prey, and scavenger in the wild.
