Python eats gator, stomach ruptures

Nesnet5.com ^ | 10/5/2005 | AP

[Pessimist]

A python's eyes were apparently bigger than its stomach.

Scientists in Florida are puzzling over a Burmese python that scarfed down a six-foot alligator before its stomach ruptured.

They found the carcasses in an isolated part of Florida's Everglades National Park. Photos show the gator's hind legs and tail sticking out of the 13-foot snake's ruptured gut.

The Miami Herald reported that scientists can't figure out how the snake got the critter down. The snake's head is also missing.

Experts say the clash is interesting, but it also shows the exotic snakes are competing with gators to top the food chain in the Everglades.

Park biologist Skip Snow said he's documented 156 python captures in the last two years.

[stuartcr]

And if you're real lucky, you may even find a 4th generation native Floridian!!

[threeleftsmakearight]

It's obvious that Global Warming has caused certain species to misunderstand their station in the food chain.

[Apercu]

I read this a couple of years ago - don't remember where. I have 2 mini dachshunds and it would not surprise me. They have no fear. They were originally bred to hunt badgers.

[Maceman]

Does he realize that the not-so-little python can kill him AT WILL in that picture?

I seriously doubt that there is ANYTHING Bob Clark doesn't know about pythons.

Here is his bio from his website:

Bob Clark has been breeding pythons for nearly 25 years. He has originated nearly all of the color and pattern mutations on the market today. He graduated from the University of Kansas in with a Bachelor's degree in Systematics and Ecology in 1977 and received his Master's degree in Herpetology in 1979 from the same institution. Bob has always had an interest in reptiles (he still has a red-eared slider he got in 1963). He has what he says is "the world's best job", he's passionate about pythons. Bob has operated at the commercial level since 1988 producing pythons for collectors, breeders and institutions both in the United States and abroad.

We operate from a 5000sq ft. warehouse in suburban Oklahoma City. Although we do not maintain a retail location we do not discourage visitors by appointment. We are a small but dedicated group of people and pride ourselves on the quality of our animals and the service we provide to our customer. We are licensed exporters and welcome overseas accounts. We hope to have the chance to serve you.

BTW, here is another famous picture of Fluffy from the website:

Fluffy may be the largest snake in captivity. She's 12 years old, captive born and tame. She weighs 310lbs, actual weight, and is somewhat over 22' long. She continues to grow at a fairly rapid rate gaining about 40lbs in each of the last two years.

[libstripper]

It's there because somebody either released a "pet" a while ago or it was born to a released "pet." The problem with Burmese pythons is they get quite large, over 20 feet, and people who buy them as "cute" babies end up with huge, expensive, and very care intensive monsters on their hands. Many times the critters either get released or escape. Enough have done to form a healthy breeding population in the 'glades. Now the park rangers are under orders to kill them whenever they catch them, but that only accounts for a relative few.

Unfortunately, people tend to be a bit too repulsed by these critters. After all, psychotherapists can use them to treat depression through "big hug" therapy. Even the contemplation of the immediacy such therapy will cause the average patient to lose her concerns about her depression.

[rottndog]

Innnnndiiiigessssssssstionnnnnnn!!!!!

[Steelerfan]

A few months ago there was a film posted here of another python in Florida that tried to grab a gator. Gator was able to turn around and bit the snake in half.

Wonder if they just aren't used to other large predators in the water from their native environment.

[Fierce Allegiance]

You are awesome.

[NRA1995]

bump

[Stand Watch Listen]

FYI...found numerous references to this story....they all cite the Sun Magazine of Boca Raton, FL....but cannot find a link to the actual 1995 story

Dachsie Shows Gator Who is Boss!

Sun Magazine of Boca Raton, Florida, on 1/10/95

A huge alligator swallowed a plucky dachshund who promptly chewed her way out. The eleven foot gator was found floating belly up in the pond the next day, and Daisy, who's obviously a lot tougher than she looks, was back pawing at her family's door.

"The dog didn't have a mark on her, since the gator gulped her down whole. At first I really thought she was a ghost," says Melanie Nelson, whose son, Mark, nine , saw the gator snatch Daisy as she chased a ball next to the pond behind their house in the swampy country near Everglades City. But Daisy went straight to her dish and the family knew they had their pet back. "We'd lost dogs to gators before" Melanie recalls. "It's a hazard of living out here. But this is the first one who has ever come back."

She took Daisy to her vet, who explained that if any dog could chew its way out of an alligator, it would be a dachshund. "They are a lot feister than they look," says Nelson. "The vet says they were bred to go down a hole and kill badgers. Also, Daisy didn't need to make too big of a hole to get out. She's very low to the ground."

[StarCMC]

LOL!! I will play a song for you anytime if you'll flatter me like that! He he he!! :o) Seriously -- glad to oblige!

[Fierce Allegiance]

Do you have G & R, "I used to love her but I had to kill her"? (it's kind of a joke, I never killed STBX and I don't have any plans to.)

[StarCMC]

Let me look!

[ArrogantBustard]

Gluttony is rightly considered one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Our (late) serpentine friend should have studied his catechism more carefully!

[Cobra64]

hehe. good that you're enjoying the fun. is that a camera powder or 'splosive? (I'm not familiar with that)

It's smokeless gunpowder made by Hodgdon for muzzleloaders. Then there is Hercules Red Dot for reloading shotgun shells.

BTW, are/were you an F15 pilot?

[Graybeard58]

Every time I visit my momma, she fills me up with all her good southern country-style cookin'

Is that you sis?

Sounds like we have the same momma.

[StarCMC]

I found it and I'll have it up shortly!!

[lilylangtree]

My brother lives in CO. Is that you, bro?

[Fierce Allegiance]

You are my hero. I want to grow up and be just like you!