Vulture tries to eat carcass, loses balance and is caught 'spinning' alligator in the water A black-headed vulture (Coragyps atratus) was caught trying to balance itself on the carcass of an alligator in the Cuiabá River, in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso. The reptile's body floated and ended up spinning several times under the claws of the bird, which was trying to feed on the carcass. The video intrigued internet users on social media. ? Also follow Terra da Gente on Instagram The registration was made between the municipalities of Porto Jofre and Poconé (MT), on July 9th. Tour guide Mateus Filipe Rauber, 33, filmed the scene during a tour with a German family. According to Mateus, the group was patrolling the region in search of jaguars, but was surprised by the unusual moment. Vulture tries to eat alligator carcass in the Pantanal Mateus Filipe Rauber See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: NIQUIM: Brazilian venomous fish helps to understand the immune system JUBARTEE WHALES AND DISCREET BIRD: Follow the adventure of Terra da Gente in Ilhabela (SP) CONCERN: Antidepressant is found in the brains of hammerhead sharks on the coast of Brazil The guide, who has experience in tours through the Pantanal, explains that it is common to see vultures feeding on dead alligators. The particularity of the incident, however, was the bird's imbalance. “What caught my attention, and it is not common to see, is this behavior of the vulture not being able to balance itself on top of the alligator (which was already quite swollen), generating a lot of curiosity and a fun scene” Mateus highlights that the connection with nature and the preservation work allow us to witness moments that range from beautiful to comical. "Witnessing a scene like this is what gives meaning to my work. I understand that these moments are lessons in humility and respect for the natural cycle of things", he adds. Why did the vulture spin the alligator? Vulture tries to eat alligator carcass in the Pantanal ftsautter/iNaturalist Ornithologist and vulture specialist Guilherme Brito explains that the bird recorded is a black-headed vulture, one of the most common species in Brazil and known for its opportunistic behavior. He reinforces that finding the bird on carcasses in the Pantanal is not a rare situation. "What draws attention is the vulture's difficulty in balancing itself on the swollen carcass, which ended up creating this curious situation", he explains. The bird did not turn the alligator on purpose. According to the expert, the situation got out of control because the vulture was unable to stabilize its own body to start feeding. Tough leather Even though black-headed vultures are experts at finding carcasses, they face challenges when trying to consume alligators. Brito details that the species does not have enough strength to break the reptile's thick hide. Therefore, birds take advantage of natural openings, such as eyes, nostrils and the cloacal region, or wait for the carcass to break due to decomposition. Considered one of the most generalist species in terms of food, the black-headed vulture always seeks out the least rigid parts. "The only vulture that occurs in Brazil capable of opening a more resistant carcass is the king vulture", he highlights. Why was the alligator floating? Vulture tries to eat alligator carcass in the Pantanal ftsautter/iNaturalist For herpetologist Willianilson Pessoa, the reptile filmed is probably a Pantanal alligator (Caiman yacare). As the video does not allow definitive identification, he points out that it could also be a yellow-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). The cause of death cannot be determined from images alone. Hypotheses include old age, attacks by predators or injuries caused by human action, such as hunting and boating accidents. The decomposition process explains why the reptile floated. The herpetologist claims that vertebrates produce gases after death, inflating the body. "The animal is filled with gas, basically functioning like a balloon or a bladder, which makes it float for a few days. It will only sink if the body 'explodes' or if a scavenging animal — which feeds on dead matter — pierces the carcass, allowing the gases to escape," he explains. In other words, the carcass only sinks when the gases escape, either through the natural rupture of the body or through the action of birds such as vultures. Are there any risks to the vulture? Vulture is common throughout the Brazilian territory gsaito/iNaturalist The carcass does not pose an immunological risk, but the feeding location can expose the bird to other dangers. According to Pessoa, the vulture can become a target for predators, such as other alligators or anacondas, while it tries to feed. Still, he remembers that the scene is part of the natural dynamics of the biome. Vultures play an essential role in ecosystems by consuming dead animals and accelerating the decomposition of organic matter. To do this, they have adaptations to ingest meat in an advanced stage of decomposition without suffering damage. "They evolved by feeding on dead matter. They have immunological tools, very strong stomach secretions and resistance to various pathogens", says Brito. The incident combined animal behavior, scientific curiosity and good humor, garnering thousands of views and comments on social media. *Under the supervision of Rodrigo Peronti. VIDEOS: Highlights Terra da Gente See more content about nature on Terra da Gente