Failed camouflage: Chameleon attacked by Boomslang snake, venom injected through fangs.
Visitors Ettienne Hamman and Annemarie Hamman captured footage of a Boomslang snake’s hunting spree in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa, as reported by Latest Sightings on January 20. “After a long day filled with spectacular sights, including spotting a male leopard, we decided to leave the park. But little did we know, another surprise awaited us ahead,” Ettienne and Annemarie recounted.
“A snake slithered across the road, completely unaware and indifferent to the surrounding traffic. It seemed to move eagerly. Suddenly, it lifted its head, and we realized it was an immature Boomslang. On the other side of the road was a chameleon, and they stared at each other.”, they added.
Boomslang quickly lunges at its prey.
The chameleon’s strategy of remaining still and blending into its surroundings proved ineffective. The Boomslang quickly lunged at its target. “Clearly, the venom was taking effect as the chameleon began to sway from side to side,” noted Ettienne and Annemarie.
The predator maintained its distance while observing its prey. Meanwhile, the chameleon slowly crossed the road, moving into dense bushes and disappearing from Ettienne and Annemarie’s sight. “Who knows whether the Boomslang ultimately secured this elusive ‘prize’? But for us, it will definitely be an unforgettable moment,” they shared.
Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is a highly venomous snake species. When hunting, this creature injects a toxin that destroys red blood cells into its prey, waiting for the poison to take effect before feeding. Its diet consists of birds, lizards, frogs, and occasionally small mammals. Adult Boomslangs can grow up to 1.8 meters long. They typically inhabit trees but also come down to the ground to bask in the sun and hunt. They are widely distributed across the sub-Saharan African region.
