A alligator devoured a massive Burmese python in Florida's Everglades National Park, an intriguing event captured by a tour guide.
Kelly Álvarez shared a video on the Facebook page "Alligators of Florida" of the reptile swimming with the snake's carcass in its mouth among lily pads.
"This is one of the coolest and most impressive views I have had the pleasure of seeing since I started working at Everglades National Park. Our large alligator in Shark Valley, close to 12 feet long, dragging an invasive Burmese python that is at least twice its size," he commented.
The incident occurred on November 28, right on Thanksgiving Day.
Álvarez explained that alligators often kill large prey and hold onto them while they decompose, making it easier for them to tear them apart before eating.
On Tuesday, a visitor biking along the trail in Shark Valley spotted a smaller crocodile with the remnants of a huge python, notably with its "belly visibly full."
"We assume that once the large alligator ate its fill, it grabbed her and moved her to a safe distance so it could also enjoy a feast," expressed Alison Joslyn in the same Facebook group.
Alison, who posted pictures of the animals, said there is still a massive piece of snake left for the next alligator that is fast or brave enough to catch it.
According to details provided by the National Wildlife Federation on its website, when American alligators catch a large prey, they drag it underwater, where they drown and devour it. Additionally, they possess an adaptation in their throat called the glottis, which allows them to capture prey that is completely submerged.
The record for the longest Burmese python found in the Everglades is 19 feet (5.8 meters) in length. The snake weighed 125 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alligators and Burmese Pythons in Florida
Why is the sighting of alligators eating pythons in the Everglades significant?
The sighting of alligators feeding on Burmese pythons is significant because pythons are an invasive species that poses a serious threat to Florida's native wildlife. By consuming these snakes, alligators can help control their population, which benefits the local ecosystem.
What characteristics does the Burmese python have as an invasive species in Florida?
The Burmese python is a non-venomous constrictor species native to Asia that has been introduced to the Everglades. It can reach lengths of up to 8 meters, preying on native wildlife and causing significant disruption to the ecosystem. Lacking natural predators in the region, managing its population presents an environmental challenge.
How does the presence of alligators affect urban areas in Florida?
The presence of alligators in urban areas of Florida is a common phenomenon due to their abundance in the state, with around 1.3 million individuals. Although they rarely cause serious injuries, the public is advised to maintain a safe distance and not to feed them, especially during the mating season when they may become more aggressive.
What initiatives exist to control the population of Burmese pythons in Florida?
In Florida, the Python Challenge is taking place, an annual competition aimed at eliminating these snakes from the Everglades. Significant prizes are awarded to hunters who capture the most pythons or the longest ones, thereby encouraging the control of this invasive species that threatens the local ecosystem.
Filed under: