Alligator Caught Feasting on Invasive Burmese Python Days Before Christmas in Everglades [Watch]

A rare encounter before a Burmese python and a massive alligator was caught on camera in the run-up of Christmas Day. One feasted on the other, just in time for the holidays.

Alligator Devours Invasive Burmese Python

On Dec. 20, in the Shark Valley area of Everglades National Park, Alison Joslyn witnessed a rare encounter in the wild while riding her bike. Joslyn, an amateur photographer from Florida, caught an alligator eating a giant Burmese python, a snake not native to Florida. She shared the footage on social media.

According to her, she initially thought both were dead until the alligator opened its eyes and looked at her.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) considers Burmese pythons invasive due to their impact on native wildlife. The species is frequently found near or in water and is recognized as one of the largest snakes in the world. The longest adult Burmese python recorded in Florida was 18 feet long. However, most were just six to nine feet long.

Burmese pythons have been observed feeding on various animals in Florida, including alligators, birds, and reptiles. According to the agency, in 32-Commission-managed areas in South Florida, the species can be legally and humanely shot year-round without a permit or hunting license.

The encounter received mixed responses from netizens. One said it was "good" and gators should fight back. Another said he was sorry for the unfortunate python, but "that is nature right there." The same netizen added that the sight was "nature at work" and "incredible to witness."

Alligator Vs. Python

While the recent encounter hailed the alligator as the winner, it was not always the case. There are also instances when a bigger python devours an alligator.

A five-foot alligator was taken out of the stomach of a deceased 18-foot Burmese python, as seen in a video that has surfaced again. In November 2022, scientist Rosie Moore of Florida shared the film for the first time.

She claims that Burmese pythons must be put to death in Florida.

Due to the subtropical environment in South Florida, as well as their long lifespan and rapid reproduction, Burmese pythons have successfully invaded ecologically delicate areas such as the Everglades National Park. The python is dangerous to other animals because of its varied diet. Thus, it's advisable to remove them.

The python was put down and given to the research lab for necropsy and the gathering of scientific samples by the people who discovered it. There was a large gator within the enormous snake's stomach, which it seemed to have eaten.

Since it was the first time she had seen something like it. She acknowledged that she was shocked by the revelation. Moore claimed that she had never seen a snake possessing such an item.

Marcia Carlson Park, a native of New England who has lived in Florida and is a python hunter, also recounted a similar event. She said they harvested a 15-foot python and discovered a 5-foot alligator inside its belly. She hunts pythons to protect the place from the reptiles but avoids hunting them during the annual Florida Python Challenge.

Check out more news and information on Alligators in Science Times.