A protective python took a bite out of a zookeeper's face, leaving him with a blood-stained cheek - and some pretty gnarly footage for Instagram. Watch it here:
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Zookeeper Jay Brewer regularly posts videos showing the animals he encounters daily, from giraffes and elephants to Komodo dragons and saltwater crocodiles.
In one of his latest clips, he showed himself attempting to retrieve some eggs belonging to a particularly large python, so that experts could help them hatch.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the huge snake wasn't too happy about what was going on, and decided to lash out to protect her babies.
Posting the footage on Instagram, Brewer - who is the founder of The Reptile Zoo near Los Angeles - wrote: "She GOT ME.
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"I take a risk so I can get the babies in the incubator where it's safe... in this case I had to take one for the team."
In the video, we see Brewer tentatively approaching the snake, using a hooked pole to control the beast.
He says: "Come on girl. You're like, 'Hey, I finally lay some eggs and you're gonna take 'em from me?'
"Yes, because we want them to hatch, because they won't hatch otherwise. Come on girl, come on girl."
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As Brewer tries to carefully lift up the eggs - some of which are stuck together in a clump - Jay puts down his stick to free his other hand, at which point the python strikes.
In one swift movement it leaps up and bites Jay's face, taking him by surprise.
As he quickly moves back, he says to the camera: "Ohhhh, I got it right in the face!
"I knew this was gonna be in the video."
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Wiping the blood from his face, he adds: "Blood and all."
One fan commented on the post to ask if Brewer was alright after the incident, to which he responded: "I'm ok."
He added a clapping hands emoji and a crying with laughter emoji, suggesting he was able to see the funny side of the attack.
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Another told Brewer he was 'so brave', but he replied: "I'm just doing my job."
A third joked: "That's a kiss!"
They added: "Giving you a thank you kiss for taking good care of her."
In another video from March, Brewer said he tends to make 'pulling snake eggs look easy', but explained that he tends to make the rookies 'suit up' - showing a staff member don thick clothing, goggles and a visor, while he chills alongside them in his short-sleeved khaki shirt.
I definitely know which outfit I'd prefer.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/Jay BrewerTopics: Instagram, News, Zookeeper, Snakes, Animals, python