A Florida wildlife clip is making people do a double take: Instead of an alligator lurking in the shallow waters, a great blue heron is the one doing the swallowing. The disturbing scene inverts a familiar food chain script and also offers a glimpse of how adaptable wildlife can be in landscapes increasingly shaped by people. Here’s what you need to know According to the OP in a Reddit thread, herons feed opportunistically and can take a wide range of prey. The images were taken by wildlife photographer Matthew Blake (@matthew_blake_photography) and posted on Instagram. In the images, the heron is seen picking up the young alligator and moving with it in its beak. In an Instagram caption, Blake described capturing the heron with its wing outstretched, holding the alligator: “Its powerful body braces itself against the impact of the landing, one leg extended forward, feathers still rippling from the descent moments after snagging its prey… Dinosaurs still exist!” Many users in the Reddit comments compared the image to the time of the dinosaurs. One user said: “Dinosaur on dinosaur violence.” Another commented: “Dinosaur on pseudosuchian violence. A repeat of the Late Triassic.” Others were quite impressed with the image. One user said: “What a stunning and stylish shot!” Instagram commenters were equally amazed by the images, with one noting: “When this image appeared, I thought I was looking at some kind of monster emerging and into the depths of the forest. This is one of the most amazing photos I’ve ever seen!” Another wrote: “If you think alligators are bad then you’ve never met a great blue heron!” As dramatic as the images may seem, predation like this is a normal part of ecosystem functioning and the necessary relationship between predators and prey. Where can I learn more? Watching an animal hunt and eat in the wild can be an amazing thing to witness, especially when it is such a rare sight. footage.• In Florida, Burmese pythons can swallow deer and alligators whole, alarming researchers. Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to win $5,000 toward home improvements. To see more stories like this, change your Google preferences here.
