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Intense Footage Captures Invasive Burmese Python Swallowing Large Adult Deer in Florida’s Everglades

Burmese Python Swallowing Large Deer

Imagine stumbling across a snake that just swallowed a 77-pound deer whole—yes, you read that right. That’s exactly what happened in the Florida Everglades, where a team of biologists captured shocking footage of a Burmese python in action. The colossal female python was discovered by researchers from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida aided by a scout snake. The researchers were amazed at the footage especially since the python demonstrated a mouth stretching capability of 93% its maximum gape, a feat unheard of before.

A Shocking Discovery in the Everglades

Burmese Python Swallowing Large Adult Deer
Burmese python swallows large deer. Source: YouTube, Upload: Conservancy of Southwest Florida

In early October 2024, scientists from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida were led by a male python named Ronin, who’s part of a unique “scout snake” program. These tagged pythons help biologists locate larger, breeding females. This time, Ronin guided the team to a 14.8-foot female python in the middle of a colossal meal: swallowing an entire white-tailed deer!

Wildlife biologist Ian Bartoszek and his team were floored by what they saw, quickly grabbing their cameras to document the event. This rare footage offered an up-close view of the invasive predator’s insatiable appetite, a grim reminder of the havoc these snakes wreak on Florida’s native wildlife.

Burmese Pythons: The Invading Giants

These snakes aren’t native to Florida, yet they’ve taken over the Everglades since first being spotted in the 1970s. With no natural predators and ample prey, they’ve decimated local wildlife. Deer, raccoons, and even alligators have fallen victim to their massive jaws. This particular python stretched its mouth to 93% of its maximum capacity—way beyond what scientists’ thought was possible.

Experts estimate that there are now tens of thousands of Burmese pythons slithering around in the Everglades, and their population shows no signs of slowing down.

The Science Behind the Stomach-Stretching

Burmese python swallows deer in Florida Everglades
Close up of Burmese python swallowing deer in Florida EvergladesImage credit: Ian Bartoszek, Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Researchers studied the python’s unbelievable ability to stretch its jaws and found that the snake’s gape exceeded previous expectations. The snake stretched its mouth to 10.2 inches—an impressive feat that challenges existing theories on the physical limits of these invasive reptiles. It’s no wonder these snakes can take down prey much larger than themselves!

A Growing Concern for Florida’s Ecosystem

This isn’t just a cool story about a snake with a big appetite. The footage highlights the ongoing threat Burmese pythons pose to Florida’s delicate ecosystem. These snakes are at the top of the food chain, with no natural enemies to keep their numbers in check. As they continue to spread, native species struggle to survive, putting the entire Everglades ecosystem at risk.

Florida’s Battle Against the Invasion

17-foot (140 pound) Burmese Python Removed from Florida Everglades using Python-Detecting Dogs
17-foot (140 pound) Burmese Python Removed from Big Cypress National Preserve, via Agence France-Presse

Florida has tried various methods to control the python population, including annual python hunts and removal programs. But the snakes are incredibly hard to find in the dense marshlands. The “scout snake” initiative, where tagged male pythons help track down breeding females, is one of the more innovative approaches to the problem. Still, the Burmese python remains a formidable foe in this ongoing battle.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Everglades?

With the python population continuing to grow and their size pushing biological boundaries, the challenge of managing this invasive species is more urgent than ever. This extraordinary footage serves as a stark reminder of the ecological crisis at hand. As scientists continue to research and monitor these predators, the fight to save the Everglades’ unique wildlife presses on.

YouTube video
Conservancy of Southwest Florida