Snake bursts after gobbling gator

[smok3y]

An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps.
An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps.


The Burmese python tried to swallow its fearsome rival whole but then exploded.

The remains of the two giant reptiles were found by astonished rangers in the Everglades National Park.

The rangers say the find suggests that non-native Burmese pythons might even challenge alligators' leading position in the food chain in the swamps.

The python's remains were found with the victim's tail protruding from its burst midsection. The head of the python was missing.

"Encounters like that are almost never seen in the wild... And here we are," Frank Mazzotti, a University of Florida wildlife professor, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.

"They were probably evenly matched in size. If the python got a good grip on the alligator before the alligator got a good grip on him, he could win," Professor Mazzotti said.

He said the alligator may have clawed at the python's stomach, leading it to burst.

"Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species," Prof Mazzotti said.

He said that there had been four known encounters between the two species in the past. In the other cases, the alligator won or the battle was an apparent draw.

Burmese pythons - many of whom have been dumped by their owners - have thrived in the wet and hot climate of Florida's swamps over the past 20 years.

BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Snake bursts after gobbling gator

:jointsmile:

smok3y Reviewed by smok3y on 11-16-2008. Snake bursts after gobbling gator An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps. An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps. The Burmese python tried to swallow its fearsome rival whole but then exploded. The remains of the two giant reptiles were found by astonished rangers in the Everglades National Park. The rangers Rating: 5

[theforthdrive]

God damn, Nice pic!

[smok3y]

Hahaha thats wot it gets for been a gready bastard..

[Sandm4n]

silly snake you cant eat an alligator :stoned:

[bobthenuker]

silly snake you cant eat an alligator :stoned:

Actually they can, I've heard though, that the only difficult part a snake like that has in swallowing something is getting past the widest area, like the shoulders if its swallowing a human. After that, everything just slides in. Don't know what went wrong there hah.

[dragonrider]

Ha ha! How many times has that thing been posted here? It's from 2005! Every time it comes up, I wonder, is it a NEW python/aligator disaster? Nah. It's always the same one.

[smok3y]

Ha ha! How many times has that thing been posted here? It's from 2005! Every time it comes up, I wonder, is it a NEW python/aligator disaster? Nah. It's always the same one.

Really dude?

Damm... I picked it up from the BBC News website.. Lazy mofo's cant be botherd to update there site..


:jointsmile:

[Sandm4n]

Every time it comes up, I wonder, is it a NEW python/aligator disaster?

lmao a new python aligator disaster :smokin:

[dragonrider]

Really dude?

Damm... I picked it up from the BBC News website.. Lazy mofo's cant be botherd to update there site..


:jointsmile:

Ha ha! It is a good story though --- maybe they can't bear to let it go.

[smok3y]

Ha ha! It is a good story though --- maybe they can't bear to let it go.

Haha probley..


:jointsmile: