Ratsnakes hunting Bats in Texas Cave July 17, 2018

---READ FOR VIDEO DETAILS-------
**Three snake/bat captures on video, times noted below-
The bats (cave myotis) have not been numerous in this cave since the video posted in May but the numbers increased drastically during this week as you will note watching the video. The great plains ratsnakes have had to work hard for a meal as you can see that fact changes into easier hunting toward the end. Remember this is inside the cave in total darkness so the snakes are using smell, touch, and experience to catch & feed on the bats.
The bats now seem to be moving back in numbers to this roost. In years past, I've estimated the late summer bat numbers at 18-20 thousand. There are not that many here yet. These are NOT Mexican free-tail bats that can roost in colonies in the millions in some other caves in Texas.

Bats captures can be seen at:
#1- about 5:50- easy to see full capture, construction, feeding sequence. Front & center.
#2- about 7:20- the camera missed the "grab" but the snake only caught a wing & you can see the subsequent tug-of-war fight with the bat & final constriction
---special note---There are often more than one snake in the field of view. Note the snake in the back to the right of center for the next capture. Important for third capture.
#3- about 7:55- This is the snake in the back to the right. This one is difficult to see. Look close & see it grab a bat, begin constriction then fall to the floor of the cave.

Видео Ratsnakes hunting Bats in Texas Cave July 17, 2018 канала Grant Critchfield's Texas Trail Cams