Video: Massive Pike Chokes on Bird too Large to Swallow
OutdoorHub Reporters 03.02.16
Somebody should probably help these two critters out, unless you really want to find out what bird-stuffed pike tastes like. Actually, that sounds like it wouldn’t be all that bad. This battle between a pike and a grebe was captured by angler Chris Verheul while fishing near Zegveld, Netherlands earlier this month. Grebes are known for being much less wary than ducks, so it is not surprising for this one to be snatched up by a pike. Unfortunately for both of the animals, it seems the predatory fish bit off more than it can swallow.
Pike are known for preying on smaller ducks and other waterfowl. Subsequently, they are also known for choking to death while attempting to eat them. There have been several documented cases where anglers have discovered a pike attempting—and failing—to eat a bird too large for its gullet. Pike are reliably stubborn and actually have tiny teeth in their tongues to help them retain prey better. This sometimes will lead to a scenario where the fish are unwilling to let go of a meal, even if it ends in their demise.
In this case, the angler interrupted the exchange by throwing a log into the pond. Both animals go under, but the grebe eventually resurfaces later at the far side of the pond.
Have you ever seen anything like this?
