Scientist finds 2 headed snake

[Grimmlok]

Yummy stuff...

SAN ANGELO, Texas


Angelo State University is getting an unusual addition to its collection of reptiles and amphibians: a two-headed rattlesnake.

Chris McAllister, a visiting professor of biology at Angelo State University in San Angelo, said he found the snake after turning over 400 to 500 rocks last month at a Christoval-area ranch, where he and students were scouring for interesting specimens.

While two-headed rat snakes and king snakes are relatively common, a two-headed rattler is not, McAllister said.

The tiny Western diamondback rattler, about as thick as an adult human finger, was less than a foot long and appeared to be a month old, he said. The heads were fused at the neck and functional, although the left head seemed to be the more dominant.

Both tongues flicked out of the mouths, and all four eyes were open, he said. Each head had a full set of fangs, but the snake didn't try to strike at him. In fact, it was lethargic and refused to eat so he euthanized it, he said.

McAllister discovered it had two hearts, two gall bladders, two tracheae and a divided liver.

"They're very important in controlling the rodent population," said McAllister, who was hospitalized for a week in 1996 after being bitten by a rattler. "They're an important part of the ecosystem."

[AliceInWonderland]

thats awesome

[Bliss]

I didn't think having two heads was "relatively common" in any species!! Wow. Maybe this sort of thing is the source for some of those myths about two-headed dragons and the like?

[Tiara]

Originally Posted by Bliss

I didn't think having two heads was "relatively common" in any species!! Wow. Maybe this sort of thing is the source for some of those myths about two-headed dragons and the like?

Neither did I, I thought any kind of two headed snake was just a myth. I'm intrigued!

I seem to remember something about a 2 headed sheep that was born years ago. Found this pic, dunno if this is the one, or even if its real!!

[Glasgow53]

I have heard of two headed reptiles and calves, but that's it.

[Bliss]

I can't believe I forgot this, but now that I look at that sheep I remember a picture I saw, ages ago, of a kitten with two faces (poor thing).