In fact, it may just be a metaphor, tied to a very popular term also used on Earth. A snake eating its own tail, or ouroboros, represents the cycle of life.

A swollen snake needed help — and fast. Photos posted online showed the snake arrived at a Virginia animal hospital with a bulging body. Then, a veterinary team discovered the culprit.

The snake received the much-needed care in Boyce, a roughly 130-mile drive northwest from Richmond. The animal organization said it handles several of these fake egg cases each year.

The snake received the much-needed care in Boyce, a roughly 130-mile drive northwest from Richmond. The animal organization said it handles several of these fake egg cases each year.

The snake received the much-needed care in Boyce, a roughly 130-mile drive northwest from Richmond. The animal organization said it handles several of these fake egg cases each year.

Eating other snakes gives them a special edge in survival, especially when food is scarce. Here are five snake species that have a taste for their slithery cousins.

The snake received the much-needed care in Boyce, a roughly 130-mile drive northwest from Richmond. The animal organization said it handles several of these fake egg cases each year.