opal_snake

Instagram/opal_escent

This winged snake is more adorable than frightening

Don't worry, she can't actually fly.

 

Rachel Kiley

Internet Culture

Posted on Jun 27, 2019   Updated on May 20, 2021, 9:44 am CDT

Some pet owners are always going above and beyond for their dependable pals. From cleverly crafted shelving systems for curious cats to dogs dressed in handmade Halloween costumes from Game of Thrones, at this point, it probably feels like we’ve seen it all. But you may not have seen this before: a snake with wings.

It’s not as terrifying as it sounds! They aren’t real wings and the snake can’t actually fly up into the air and dive-bomb you like a histrionic fanged bird.

But Instagram-famous snake @opal_escent was recently gifted beautiful white feathered wings from her creative owner, and she’s showing them off in an adorable set of photos even the least snake-friendly of us are bound to appreciate.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNf-EXhaua/

Opal is a blue-eyed leucistic ball python, and her owner has had Instagram accounts for her and a bearded dragon named Phillip for about a year. And yes, Phillip also has his own wings. Obviously.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl5S0RtgVNk/

While Opal certainly already had her own dedicated following, the internet has been going absolutely gaga over this majestic slithering creature ever since a Twitter user shared the winged pics last night.

https://twitter.com/teacupsmasher/status/1144114202908356608

https://twitter.com/Syazwan_Low/status/1144272019736993793

Most importantly, the beautiful costume has given Opal’s new fans ample opportunities to make excellent pop culture references…

https://twitter.com/8adlands/status/1144293440596971520

…especially the people who just binged Good Omens on Amazon Prime.

Of course, as with anything, there’s always the possibility of a more sinister interpretation of the set of images.

Hopefully, there’s no truth to that last one, but Opal could certainly cosplay as the Mesoamerican deity should she choose. Though taking on the role of a Crowley/Aziraphale love child-snake does seem like it would be a little more recognizable at any future snake comic-cons.

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*First Published: Jun 27, 2019, 2:05 pm CDT