Rare snake hunt filmed in Jerusalem park after reopening

A rare wildlife scene was captured in Jerusalem’s Gazelle Valley, where a coin-marked racer snake was filmed swallowing a marsh frog. The footage was taken by Victor Pridyev, a volunteer in the park with the Society for the Protection of Nature, and shows the unusual predation moments after the site reopened to visitors.

The park had only recently reopened after weeks of closure because of concerns about the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. With activity resuming, local wildlife quickly returned to view, and the recording documented a striking interaction in the urban nature reserve.

June is considered one of the busiest months for reptiles in Israel, especially in Gazelle Valley, which is home to two prominent snake species, the coin-marked racer and the black whip snake. According to the article, the black whip snake moves mainly on the ground and in open areas, while the coin-marked racer is more agile, climbing trees, walls and terraces and hunting among paths and vegetation.

The frog is described as part of the park’s natural food web, and the snakes are presented as ecologically important despite their intimidating image. They help regulate rodent and amphibian populations and are said to be an important part of Jerusalem’s urban ecosystem.