Snakes that smother
Snakes are unusual because they can eat animals bigger than themselves. They can do this because they have very special jaws and heads.
The bones in a snake's jaws and head are not solid like ours. Their bones are linked by muscles and soft tissue. This means snakes can stretch their jaws and skulls. By opening its mouth really wide, a snake can swallow prey bigger than its own head.
Snakes swallow quite slowly. They prefer it when their victims don't struggle. Some snakes keep their prey still by poisoning them. Others strangle their prey. Snakes that strangle are called constrictors.
Constrictors wrap themselves around their prey's chest. As the animal breathes out, the constrictor tightens its grip. With each breath, the prey gets less air until it suffocates. When the prey has suffocated, the snake eats it.
Most wild constrictors avoid people. But pet constrictors like being with people.
If you handle a pet constrictor, remember always to support it properly while you're stroking it. If the snake feels in danger, it will wrap itself around you. If it does, and it squeezes too hard, unwrap the snake gently, starting at the tail.