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Snake Swallows 6-Foot Alligator
The Associated Press...Channel 6... ^ | October 5, 2005 | The Associated Press

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 ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; US: Florida
KEYWORDS: alligator; burmese; burmesepython; python
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To: george76
Gators aren't a normal prey item, and they don't collapse like a mammal- they have a semirigid, reptilian "exoskeleton", almost. Snakes rely on the tendency of most prey items to be "squishy" - a gator isn't.

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.

81 posted on 10/06/2005 7:54:29 AM PDT by xsrdx (Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas)
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To: BlueBlood

"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.


82 posted on 10/06/2005 7:57:50 AM PDT by dljordan
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To: spetznaz
If people read how large constrictors kill their prey I think fewer would be rushing to get the larger constrictors. The cool factor would quickly become the respect factor.

I remember reading about some guy with a big snake who woke up at night feeling suffocated and found that his face was in his snake's mouth.
83 posted on 10/06/2005 8:02:48 AM PDT by aruanan
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To: dljordan

Wow. I am not a "snake person" but that doesn't sound like a beginner kit. What do you feed it, mice?


84 posted on 10/06/2005 9:29:06 AM PDT by BlueBlood
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To: BlueBlood
"Wow. I am not a "snake person" but that doesn't sound like a beginner kit. What do you feed it, mice?"

We went to the pet shops and they GAVE us mice and rats that were too aggressive to sell. Mom started breeding the little victims after that. YUM! Mom (who had a way with animals) finally gave the snake to the Nashville museum after I went in the Navy. It just got too big.

The first time my dog saw the snake he backed up all the way out the door into the yard, his eyes never leaving the snake. I've never seen a Weimeraner turn white before.
85 posted on 10/06/2005 10:09:08 AM PDT by dljordan
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To: GladesGuru

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.


86 posted on 10/06/2005 4:03:50 PM PDT by PoorMuttly (A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun -T.Jefferson)
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To: PoorMuttly

that's 3" 12ga.

Redhawk nice. Make good rock with handle when empty too.

Just keeps on giving.


87 posted on 10/06/2005 5:32:56 PM PDT by PoorMuttly (A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun -T.Jefferson)
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To: billorites

OMG, what is that anyway? That would completely traunatize my little animal lovin 7 year old!


88 posted on 04/22/2006 8:16:49 PM PDT by RepubMommy
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To: RepubMommy
Yes, it's a little creepy.

I believe it's some sort of marsupial.

A kangaroo, wallaby, something of the sort...

89 posted on 04/22/2006 8:25:22 PM PDT by billorites (freepo ergo sum)
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