Jubo is the commonly used name for this snake; the term has Indian roots. They can be found throughout Cuba and rank just below the majá in size, often growing to over a metre in length. Their diet includes rodents, small birds, and even chicks... but the one you're about to see is its favourite prey.
It doesn’t kill his prey before eating it. It swallows it alive. And in the case of frogs, their shriek can still be heard even after being swallowed whole.
So...
Life isn't all roses.
I'm reminded of it by the shriek of a frog caught in the painful grip of its predator. It always saddens me to hear it... And my dog goes wild at the sound. She gets really distressed and starts searching frantically through the grass and dry leaves. But... what can one do?
Today we learned that the jubo is prowling nearby, slithering among the leaves of the mango tree. A neighbour saw it and pointed out where it was. I froze when I saw the scene. I thought of grabbing a broom to scare it off, to keep it from hurting the frog.
And yet, another thought took its place: Would I like it if someone came and snatched away my lunch—something I’d worked hard to obtain? No... I’d gladly give it to someone else, even to an animal, but I wouldn’t feel at peace if it were taken by force.
So I shrugged and reached for my camera to take this difficult photograph.
I’d never had the chance to capture anything like it before. It hurt. She was screaming in pain. Horrible... I had only a moment, and managed just this single shot.
Now, looking at it closely, I see how she holds onto him, clinging tightly, fighting...
It reminded me of a National Geographic documentary, where a photographer described going out each night to photograph lions. He hadn’t been able to capture a decent image—not because he lacked equipment (he had the finest), nor skill (he was a professional), but because it was a matter of emotion.
It took strength to take that heartbreaking photo. He couldn’t press the shutter when he saw the lions attacking a zebra. What a cruel spectacle, isn’t it? Not everyone is cut out for that.
It took a long time before he could bring himself to take such a photo. But it was necessary. It would document research into those lions’ habits and behaviour. It was also important material to help understand many things under study at the time.
And after all, everything happening there was natural—that's how nature works, and we shouldn't be horrified. It's the food chain... basic survival.
It's true that this kind of photography... sparks important ethical debates. I know of cases where photographers have chosen not to take a shot when witnessing the clear distress of a bird that was attracting predators.
A photographer must never be an intruder, but rather handle the situation with respect and distance.
Could it be that my neighbour and I were the ones who changed the course of events today? 🤔
Maybe...
The frog escaped!
She fell from the mango tree and the jubo vanished as if by magic. I was overjoyed for her—though I don’t know whether she’ll survive the bite.
The photo turned out blurry due to camera shake. I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to disturb her any further. And I told my dog to move away and stop sniffing the poor little creature.
Original content by @nanixxx. All rights reserved ©, 2025.