I took this picture of a water snake trying to swallow a live bluegill at the pond behind my house earlier this week.

I’ve always heard that snakes have the ability to unhinge their jaws and swallow food that is much larger than their mouths.

I’ve seen rattlesnakes trying to swallow whole cottontail rabbits, and I’ve seen lots of snakes with big bulges in their bellies, suggesting they swallowed large items.

But I’d like to hear what you think about this picture.

Do you think this snake actually managed to swallow this fish? Or do you think the snake choked to death trying?

Before taking this photo, I was seeing this snake on a pretty regular basis. I have not seen it since.

So I’m really wondering.

I’d like to hear some thoughts from other folks.