It is very likely that she is actually nosing the litter looking for the slugs to eat them. This is widely documented in sand boas and also known for Boa constrictor. I have a couple friends that have witnessed Mom very carefully checking out her litter, finding the slugs and consuming them. This might even be considered a form of parental care since rotting flesh such as these slugs may attract predators. Or it could be a means for the female to recoup some of her expended energy by consuming these little fat balls. In the end, it is still a nice pic.


>>I wonder what they realize about what just happened and what she's processing as she investigates those babies. I know it's very little compared to "higher" life forms, but when they become aggressive and protective, is it just hardwired instinct that triggers it, or a mental awareness on some level? I guess we'll never know. A picture like that still makes me think...awe, how sweet. Silly human that I am - I can't help it.
>>-----
>>Linda Hedgpeth
>>lindafh@frontiernet.net
>>Sierra Serpents
>>
>>"There is just as much horse sense as ever, but the horses have most of it".
-----
Rick Staub
R&R Reptiles

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