Egret uses smart tricks to swallow scorpions in South Africa

A hungry egret scoops up a poisonous scorpion and clenches it in its beak at the Western Cape National Park, near Cape Town, South Africa. The bird teased its prey by dangling it from its barb, and though the scorpion was able to wriggle free, it was soon picked up again. The egret used its beak to weaken the scorpion until it was able to kill and swallow it without any resistance. Wildlife photographer William Steel witnessed over 20 scorpions eaten by the "plucky" egrets. [Photo: VCG/William Steel]