Wildlife officials in Australia’s Northern Territory were stunned when they discovered a three-eyed snake slithering along a highway — a real, verified case that quickly went viral around the world.
A Discovery That Shocked Experts
The young carpet python was found near Humpty Doo, close to Darwin, by rangers from NT Parks and Wildlife in 2019. What amazed scientists wasn’t just its strange appearance but the fact that the third eye was fully formed and functional.
X-rays revealed that the extra eye wasn’t the result of an injury or mutation later in life — it actually grew naturally as part of the skull. Experts say the snake likely developed the extra eye while still in the egg due to a rare genetic mutation during embryonic development.
Photos That Went Viral
When the official photos were posted on the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Facebook page, the internet exploded with reactions. The snake, nicknamed “Monty Python,” became an instant sensation. Some called it a “real-life mythological creature,” while others joked it looked like something out of a fantasy movie.
What Happened to the Snake
Unfortunately, wildlife officers reported that the young python struggled to eat properly due to the deformity and passed away a few weeks after being found. Despite that, scientists said the discovery was incredibly valuable for research and helped them better understand reptile development.
Nature’s Endless Surprises
The three-eyed snake remains one of the strangest natural discoveries in recent years. It’s a reminder that nature continues to surprise us with rare mutations and unique creatures that challenge what we think we know about life on Earth.
Even though “Monty” didn’t survive long, its discovery continues to fascinate animal lovers and researchers alike — proving that the wild still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.
