Posted on 10/05/2005 2:00:49 PM PDT by george76
Scientists in Florida are puzzling over a 13-foot Burmese python that scarfed down a 6-foot alligator before its stomach ruptured.
The snake apparently tried to swallow the gator whole -- and then exploded. Scientists stumbled upon the gory remains last week.
The species have battled with increasing frequency -- scientists have documented four encounters in the last three years...
"Encounters like that are almost never seen in the wild. ... And here we are, it's happened for the fourth time," Mazzotti said. In the other cases, the alligator won or the battle was an apparent draw.
"They were probably evenly matched in size," Mazzotti said of the latest battle. "If the python got a good grip on the alligator before the alligator got a good grip on him, he could win."
The incident has alerted biologists to new potential dangers from Burmese pythons in the Everglades.
"Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species," ...
At least 150 have been captured in the last two years.
"People will buy these tiny little snakes and if you do everything right, they're six-feet tall in one year. They lose their appeal, or the owner becomes afraid of it. There's no zoo or attraction that will take it," so they release the snakes into the Everglades.
A reproducing snake can have as many as 100 hatchlings, which explains why the snake population has soared, Wasilewski said. The Burmese snake problem is just part of a larger issue of nonnative animal populations in South Florida, he said. So many iguanas have been discarded in the region that they are gobbling tropical flowers and causing problems for botanists, Wasilewski said.
A 10- or 20-foot python is also large enough to pose a risk to an unwary human, especially a small child...
(Excerpt) Read more at local6.com ...
The python probably killed the gator, but even if the head goes in easy, the torso and legs are covered with sharp edges, and the feet have formidable claws.
All of which were crammed inside the snakes stomach, slicing up it's internals, and by the time the snake realized it was in trouble there was no turning back. I'd guess that snake was not a happy camper about the time he got to that gators forelegs.
"My cousin had that happen to him. Just think how many hat bands you can get out of a snake that size!"
My best friend bought me a Christmas present in 1968. It was a white styrofoam box with tape on it. I opened it and inside looking at me with it's beady, snakey eyes was a 4' Boa. I almost died right there. The thing actually turned out to be pretty friendly after we got the introductions over with.
Wow. I am not a "snake person" but that doesn't sound like a beginner kit. What do you feed it, mice?
I consider the Redhawk in a proper class by itself, and the perfect companion for a 12.
What a useable package. You are a wise lad.
I find the 3" puts things where they're good, and covers many bases. Perfect with the Ruger, or the Ruger alone. I know it's heavy, but you may become the dominant (remaining) species when day is done.....and that's a good thing.
that's 3" 12ga.
Redhawk nice. Make good rock with handle when empty too.
Just keeps on giving.
OMG, what is that anyway? That would completely traunatize my little animal lovin 7 year old!
I believe it's some sort of marsupial.
A kangaroo, wallaby, something of the sort...
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