What is being eaten????

[Jjwheels723]

Hello All,
While on a recent hike, I encountered this Garter Snake swallowing this object. Question is, what is it eating??? I've sent the pics to some
Naturalists at the local MetroPark, but they couldn't identify it. Anyone here have an idea? The pics were taken on 4-17, along an old canal,
near Cleveland, Ohio.
Jim

[Stefan-A]

It looks to me like the swim bladder of a fish.

[infernalis]

Good call Stefan.

I was going to say that someone must have gutted a catch nearby and the snake found it.

[reptile65]

Interesting... At first I almost thought it was some kind of egg, just because it is so white. But I've never heard of a garter eating eggs so the suggestions above make much more sense...

[infernalis]

Fishermen commonly gut their fish before taking them home. That would explain an intact swim bladder.

[Stefan-A]

Well, it's deflated, so intact is not perhaps the most accurate description. ;)

[infernalis]

Well, it's deflated, so intact is not perhaps the most accurate description. ;)


Right, In one piece.. better??:p

If it was a leftover from a snapping turtle meal, it likely would have been in shreds.:cool:

[RedSidedSPR]

Fish guts was my guess too.

[guidofatherof5]

Right, In one piece.. better??:p

If it was a leftover from a snapping turtle meal, it likely would have been in shreds.:cool:

They don't leave leftovers:D

[infernalis]

They don't leave leftovers:D

Nope, not ever ;)

http://www.thamnophis.co/herp/fishguts.jpg

[Hornets23]

Lol..are these snapping turtle leftovers?

[Hornets23]

Interesting pictures too. Mmmm....swim bladder....

[Jjwheels723]

Hello All,
Thanks to all of you for your input! I'm quite sure you
have the right explanation! I never would have guessed!
Jim:)

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

that looks like a happy snake that got a free meal!

[infernalis]

Lol..are these snapping turtle leftovers?

Yes, the snappers feasted there the recently.

Scavengers were cleaning it up quickly.