Wildlife officials in Australia shared photos of an unusual reptile found by rangers in the Northern Territory -- a three-eyed snake.
The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission shared photos on Facebook of the python, which had an eye on either side of its head and a third eye near the centre of its skull.
The commission said an X-ray revealed all three of the snake's eyes appeared to be functional. Experts said they suspected the snake had two heads forged together, but the X-ray showed it was a single skull with an extra eye socket.
"It was generally agreed that the eye likely developed very early during the embryonic stage of development," the Facebook post said. "It is extremely unlikely that this is from environmental factors and is almost certainly a natural occurrence as malformed reptiles are relatively common."
Officials said the snake, dubbed Monty Python by rangers, was estimated to be about 3 months old when it was found, but it died shortly after its capture.
"It's remarkable it was able to survive so long in the wild with its deformity, and he was struggling to feed before he died last week," ranger Ray Chatto told the NT News.
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
9 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
13 mins -
Adabraka in community A/R unites to combat electoral violence
20 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
21 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
22 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
30 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
53 mins -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
56 mins -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
56 mins -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
58 mins -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
1 hour -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
1 hour -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
1 hour -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
1 hour