Snake takes on white bellied sea eagle in clash at point arkwright beach on the sunshine coast queensland 20240904 p5z61w.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Snake bites eagle after it's snatched off Queensland beach

Emily Bennett

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An adult white-bellied sea eagle has swooped down and scooped up a sea snake at a scenic Queensland beach to the surprise of a hobbyist photographer who watched the encounter unfold.

Glen Vidler had arrived at Point Arkwright on the Sunshine Coast to photograph birds and whales when he realised he was "in the right place at the right time".

"Looking back on the pictures, it shows the snake actually biting the eagle's toe mid-flight," Vidler said.

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Glen Vidler had arrived at Point Arkwright on the Sunshine Coast watched the encounter unfold.

Glen Vidler had initially arrived at Point Arkwright to photograph birds and whales. Glen Vidler

Adult white-bellied sea eagle with a sea snake at Point Arkwright on the Sunshine Coast on August 28.

Vidler described the image as a "once-in-a-lifetime shot". Glen Vidler

"After the snake bit the eagle, the eagle just adjusted his grip and held onto his head so it couldn't bite anymore.

"Eagles have thick, scaly feet, so I'm guessing it will be OK.

"The eagle flew out of sight. He didn't drop the snake, he would've eaten it, either at a nearby tree or back at the nest."

Vidler, who has been a photographer for 18 months, described the image as a "once-in-a-lifetime shot".

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