A highly venomous South American rattlesnake (Scientific name: Crotalus durissus) encountered a hungry predator in the darkness of night. Surprisingly, the one that was attacked and subsequently eaten was this venomous snake!
The creature that attacked the rattlesnake was actually a short-tailed opossum (Scientific name: Monodelphis domestica) – a species of mammal that typically nests in cacti in the South American desert.
Nest of the short-tailed opossum. (Photo: REI DAS SERPENTES HAROLDO BAUER)
Measuring only 12 to 18 cm in length and weighing between 58 to 95 grams, the short-tailed opossum can kill the venomous snake with its sharp teeth. This nocturnal animal primarily feeds on insects, bugs, reptiles, frogs, and more.
