Python swallows adult deer whole, scientists warn

Florida –

Burmese pythons are considered a pest or invasive species in Florida, with a population of hundreds of thousands. Recently, scientists observed that pythons were able to devour an adult deer in the Everglades region and issued a warning.

The female Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is 4.5 meters long and weighs 52 kilograms. It was found preying on a red-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) weighing 35 kg, nearly 67% of the snake’s mass. To consume, the snake’s mouth stretches very wide to 93% of its maximum opening.

In a new study in the journal Reptiles & Amphibians, the maximum jaw width of Burmese pythons was previously thought to be around 22 cm. However, researchers checked again and found that the maximum gap was 26 cm. A python can open its mouth wide because the lower jaw bones are not attached at the front. The skin is also very elastic.

“Seeing an apex predator gobble up a deer in front of you is something you will never forget,” said one of the researchers and biologist Ian Bartoszek. detikINET from the New York Post.

This fact makes pythons increasingly dangerous to the ecosystem in the Everglades region of Florida and threatens native animals such as deer. “The impact of Burmese pythons on native wildlife is undeniable. This is an environmental problem of our time that is affecting ecosystems in the Greater Everglades,” said John.

It wasn’t just the amount of food that surprised researchers. The ambush happened in the winter, when it is believed that the pythons grow slower and it happened at 10:30 am, contrary to the idea that they are night hunters.

“It reminds me of how adaptable they are. We should never underestimate Burmese pythons. They will kill and eat animals almost too big to swallow,” said Bartoszek. detikINET from the Miami Herald.

This great ability to consume other animals would be even worse if the pythons were to spread to other parts of Florida and possibly throughout the American Southeast. Various attempts were made to suppress the population.

Authorities are currently implanting transmitters in 40 male pythons and using them to detect female pythons before they can lay eggs. The female python was then captured and euthanized in accordance with state law.

Pythons have been known to prey on everything from small crocodiles to bobcats. They also prey on livestock such as goats and chickens. “I looked at these snakes for 12 years and I never felt that the Burmese python was in danger or I felt that anyone was interested in me,” said Bartoszek.

“They’re attracted to our native wildlife, which hasn’t grown with large snake predators. Native animals are vulnerable, they do not have an adaptive strategy to avoid the threat of pythons or even know about it,” he concluded.

(fyk/fyk)