Inside Mexico's Mysterious "Bat Cave" of Blind and Deaf Hanging Snakes

[Judi Lynn]

BY ANA LACASA, ZENGER NEWS ON 3/28/21 AT 12:30 PM EDT

Less than 180 miles from Cancun's spectacular beaches, through a nearly roadless stretch of mosquito-crowded jungle, lies a mysterious dark cave that is home to a species of blind, deaf snakes that feed mainly on flying bats.

The inky black cave is a unique ecosystem. "This is the only place in the world where this happens," said Arturo Enrique Bayona Miramontes, the biologist who discovered it. His wandering flashlight beam first discovered the cave and strange animals living inside.

The cave, many miles inland from the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum, is unknown to virtually all tourists and a genuine surprise to scientists. Once again, the Central American jungle has been peeled away to reveal another species, another hidden natural world.

The "cave of the hanging snakes" has a 65-foot wide mouth from which thousands of bats of seven different species swarm out every night, seeking food in and around Lake Chichancanab, some 2 miles away. When the bats return from nighttime feeding, some become food for the snakes.

More:
https://www.newsweek.com/inside-mexicos-mysterious-bat-cave-blind-deaf-hanging-snakes-1579139

[MerryHolidays]

1. This is one link I will definitely not click on! nt

[Judi Lynn]

4. I share your feelings. I saw the photos peripherally and chose not to look at them directly

as soon as I caught a glimpse of what they were up to.

The info. itself was the only reason I posted it in spite of the photos.

More than enough scary stuff already without opening yourself up to even more, as in overload.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Fascinating article!

Although I am normally repelled by snakes, somehow these didn't bother me. Perhaps because they're in still photos!

Thanks for sharing, my dear Judi Lynn!

[Judi Lynn]

5. Thanks for taking the time, California Peggy. 🐍 👋

[Laffy Kat]

3. Interesting. Who would visit a bat cave these days?

Not I. The snakes don't scare me, instead, I'm afraid of diseases the bats can vector. Plus, so much guano. Nope.

[Judi Lynn]

6. Could easily lose one's footing, walking on guano, fall flat, get hit by a falling blind snake!

What an adventure!

[littlemissmartypants]

7. The snakes are indeed, beautiful. I love bats more, however.

Thanks for sharing this, Judi Lynn.



❤ pants

[Delmette2.0]

8. Rec'd for those who like or can tolerate snakes.