There it was again! I’d seen it earlier but had thought it was just the breeze moving the grass, but now I was convinced that there was something moving very slowly in the long deep grass.
Was it observing me or was I deluding myself?
I’d hunted these jungles for a long time, and most things tended to scurry away when they had detected my presence, sometimes climbing the trees or just plain running away with that swerving dodging run that they all used to avoid me.
I’d killed many animals, too numerous to count now, but they had mostly been on the small side.
Monkeys were my favourite target. They often came onto the jungle floor to scavenge, and when they were busy digging into the jungle scrub is when I would strike.
My pulse would race and I’d be quite breathless after it was all over.
But. back to the matter in hand … my prey, if that is what it would turn out to be, seemed to be resting.
Was it injured I wondered? If so it would be even easier to kill.
I searched a point that would give me a better view of my quarry, but there was nothing, only the long deep grass between myself and it.
Well, this was what hunting was all about.
After all, I’d been trained for just this kind of situation.
It was strange though. There was no smell coming from whatever it was.
Usually every animal gives off some kind of scent.
I moved forward slowly, aware that whatever it was it was silent and would detect my slightest movement.
Well I was bloody good at this hunting game, and I was confident that this would be another victim to add to my renowned hunting skills.
I kept as low as possible and slowly moved forward.
The silence was eerie, and I had the feeling that even the monkeys were watching the battle that was about to unfold before their very eyes.
I estimated that I was about six feet from my prey so I readied myself to pounce.
The blood was racing through my body but I tried to stay as calm as possible.
Just two more feet, then I’d pounce… This was it!
I leapt forward just as the python lunged toward me.
I had no chance to avoid it, and it’s teeth sank deep into my side.
Immediately I felt the ability to move drain from me.
The python slithered toward me and opened wide its huge jaws.
I had no chance to escape.
Even a seasoned hunter like a little Jack Russell is no match for a full-grown python!.
Kitos.