Snakes Coordinate Their Hunts to Increase Success Chances

A new study from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, shows that some snakes coordinate their hunts to increase their chances of success. The research was based on the Cuban boa -- the island nation's largest native terrestrial predator.The scientists said that many Cuban caves shelter large bat colonies. Additionally, small populations of boas regularly hunt the bats as they fly out at sunset and return at sunrise.

Professor Dinets observed that the boas hung down from the ceiling of the cave entrance and grabbed passing bats in midair. The scientist also noticed that if more than one boa was present, the snakes coordinated their positions in such a way that they formed a wall across the entrance.

The process made it difficult or unfeasible for the bats to pass without striking at least one boa.

The researchers stated that such hunts were always successful. The more snakes were present the less time it took each to capture a bat, added the researchers. However, if there was only one boa, it sometimes failed to protect a meal. 

Content: www.sciencedaily.com