'Playing tug of war': Monitor lizards tussle over enormous python's carcass in Pasir Ris canal
A video of two monitor lizards caught in a tug of war over the carcass of an enormous python has delighted and amused netizens.
The 29-second clip, shared on Nov 12 on public Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings by user Rex Ian Pineda, had garnered 34,000 views, 532 reactions and 42 comments at press time.
It shows two monitor lizards on different sides of a fence in a Pasir Ris canal, attempting to free the carcass of a python whose tail is stuck in the fence. One lizard holds the end with the python's head in its mouth while the other pulls on the snake's tail.
"Ahh… they are playing tug of war!!" said one Facebook user.
Some were concerned about how the snake died, with one playing detective: "I suspect the python already suffocated to death while trying to squeeze through the gap and got stuck? Afterwards the monitors came for the carcass when the snake is already death? Cuz I don't really see any struggle from the python at all."
Some pointed out that monitor lizards are good for the ecosystem, by cleaning out carcasses which would otherwise leave a stink.
One commented that the python carcass would be a feast for the lizards. "It's a bonus for the monitor lizard, can keep full up to one week. So just fancy python meat without looking up n down for what to eat for these few days."
Another said in jest: "Sir, the buffet doesn't open until 1130."
The outcome of the tug of war remains unknown as the clip ends without showing a clear winner.
