Prey Drowning In Big Snakes

[Bogertophis]

could be a fluke but was curious given my last feeding - so this involves feeding my scrub and i did everything that i normally do mind you but tonight’s feeding was a little odd and had me thinking; do big constricting snakes intentionally drown prey? because usually our routine is v simple, i put the head of the mouse near the entrance of their den, they smack it, and pull it into their lair - this time however it really seemed like they made an intentional effort to extend themselves and push their head/the prey into the swimming pool i have set up for them - didn’t seem accidental at all because the way the enclosure is set up, they would have to make the effort to do this; would’ve been more natural to take the prey inside their den or atleast at the entrance of the den so I’m curious

note: i exclusively feed f/t prey - so there’s never a real need to “kill” the prey item

While all the incidents I've observed appear coincidental, I'm not keeping any "BIG" snakes, & the more I thought about it, I think it's entirely possible that some species that evolved near water may intentionally use this method to help subdue their prey. As I recall, crocodiles are known for pulling prey underwater, & that gives them an advantage, so I don't doubt your observation. It still could just be a "one-off" though- time will tell & if you see this happen repeatedly, be sure to update us.

It very well could be instinctive, & even when snakes are fed only dead prey, they still mostly act according to instincts. (For example, rattlesnakes fed only dead prey long-term still bite their prey to envenomate it, even though it's not needed.)