Red-bellied Black Snake struggles to swallow large rat

Jan. 24 (UPI) -- A red-bellied black snake bit off more than it could chew as it was found struggling to swallow a large rat at an Australian home.

Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 shared video of snake catcher Lockie attempting to capture the red-bellied black snake, which was unable to finish its meal.

"I was lucky enough to be called out to witness this beautiful Red-bellied Black Snake in the process of consuming a large rodent that he had managed to subdue in a Kureelpa backyard," he said. Unfortunately it seemed as though he had bitten off a little more than he could chew as after an hour and a half of watching him struggle he still had not managed to get past the back legs. I guess his eyes were a little bigger than his belly!"

Lockie came across the unusual sight as the snake struggled to finish its meal outside of the wooden shed.

The snake was ultimately unable to hold onto the rat as Lockie gently placed it into a large blue bag to be relocated.