A gigantic python hanging in a tree and devouring a bird has been caught on camera by a Cooloola Cove family who said the snake began to swallow its victim just metres away from the family home.

Watch: Farmer, citizens react in true SA-fashion as python climbs tree Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a massive snake slithering up a tree on a farm in the North West, and SA is loving the ...

After all, how can something that weighs hundreds of pounds and lacks arms or claws climb a tree? But reticulated pythons can do more than just slither on the ground.

Invasive python hiding in tree lunged to bite hunters in South Florida, video shows. The snake was captured and euthanized.