Whoever was holding the snake’s head in that photo better be careful, especially if the head has been chopped off. Some snakes retain a ‘biting reflex’ after being killed or even after decapitation. From my understanding, the biting reflex can remain as long as 90 minutes after the head is cut off. This is due to their very low metabolism compared to humans.
I don’t think that snake is dead.
Quote:
“Some snakes retain a ‘biting reflex’ after being killed or even after decapitation.”
I have seen that.
When I lived outside of Houston I killed a small rattlesnake
in my garage using a shovel (cut off the head.)
It acted like it was still trying to bite for a while (I don’t recall how long.)
Really spooky.
A copperhead snake, decapitated in Huntsville, Alabama, manages to bite its own body after its head has been severed. The venomous reptile’s severed head appears to attack out of instinct, while the body writhes around in reaction. Many snakes have reflexes for hours following their death
Video at link:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2013/aug/15/decapitated-copperhead-snake-bites-itself-video
That is why the Wood chipper was invented.
A prelude to Fargo. :)
Article said the snake was euthanized, but if it was done before or after the photo was taken isn’t made clear.