Egg-Eating Snake Rescued from the Streets in 'Critical Condition'

In January, a man discovered an egg-eating snake ('Dasypeltis medici') in the heart of Murcia, alerting the Seprona unit of the Civil Guard. The animal was found in 'critical condition' showing signs of dehydration and low weight.

The officers collected the snake and transported it to Terra Natura Murcia, where it was confirmed to be a non-native exotic species. Due to the need for specific care, the animal was transferred to Terra Natura Benidorm, which has a specialized veterinary and herpetological team, as well as facilities adapted for its recovery, monitoring, and long-term well-being.

After more than two months of treatment and care, this specimen of egg-eating snake has recovered, is in optimal health, and is now part of the reptile exhibition at the nature and animal park in Benidorm.

Since its arrival at the park, the snake has remained in a quarantine area where its progress has been monitored. During this process, its skin shedding, response to hydration, and diet, based on eggs, have been examined.

Once stabilized, the snake has been moved to the outdoor volcano facility at Terra Natura Benidorm, where it can now be observed by the public alongside other species.

The Dasypeltis medici is a snake native to the African continent, with diurnal habits and a length close to one meter. Its diet is oophagous: it consumes eggs of small birds by climbing to their nests.

At Terra Natura Benidorm, it is offered a controlled diet of quail eggs, which it swallows whole. Once inside its body, it breaks the shell through pharyngeal contractions, extracts the contents, and later regurgitates the shell remnants.

Despite its appearance, it is one of the most harmless snakes. It is neither venomous nor has functional fangs. However, it possesses highly developed defensive mechanisms.

When threatened, it can emit a loud sound by rubbing its scales, a technique known as stridulation, reminiscent of the hiss of a dangerous snake. Additionally, it can open its mouth as a warning without attacking, as a deterrent strategy against predators.