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These incredible images show the moment a python swallows a baby antelope.

Wildlife expert Nitish Bambhaniya dashed 25 miles to the tiny village of Billa in the Indian state of Gujarat to photograph the huge snake's astonishing digestive feat.

After being tipped off about the spectacle, he hopped on a motorcycle and sped to the scene, accompanied by a member of his team.

On arrival, he found the giant snake - an Indian rock python - was well on its way to devouring a nilgai, also known as a blue bull.

Nitish, who runs the Red Headed Vulture Nature Club, said: "I got a call in the morning for an Indian rock python.

"When we reached the spot, we saw this massive python. The python had hunted a baby blue bull and had already eaten 80% of the bull's body.

"It is on the edge of an open field, so lots of locals start gathering there."

(Image: Barcroft)

Fearing the python would be a risk to children in the neighbouring villages if they let it go, a number of locals wanted to kill the snake.

However, as the crowd drew closer, the slithery reptile stopped swallowing the antelope and let go of its lifeless prey.

Mr Bambhaniya said: "Pythons do it so that they can shed body weight and escape faster.

"Meanwhile, we convinced the villagers not to kill the python and they agreed. Later we caught the python and handed it over to the forest department officials."

The python was released by the officials in a nearby forest, before slithering away to freedom.