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Wildlife Featured in this article
- Burmese python
Burmese pythons eat big
The invasive snakes are able to eat much larger species than researchers previously thought
Invasive Burmese pythons in southern Florida consume even bigger prey than researchers previously thought. Scientists knew the snakes were putting a dent in populations of foxes, bobcats, raccoons and other animals. But in a new study published in Reptiles and Amphibians, researchers found that the pythons can also swallow even larger animals due to their flexible, stretchy jaws, or what scientists call their “gape.” The scientists captured Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) and determined that the largest gape circumference was more than 80 centimeters. That’s similar to a 32-inch waist on a pair of pants and is about 18% larger than what researchers had previously found. The team said this means the snakes consume much larger prey, which can help them understand better the ecological impacts the snakes may have as they move to new areas.
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Header Image: Researchers with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida observed this 15-foot-long Burmese python swallowing a 77-pound deer in the Everglades National Park. Credit: Ian Bartoszek/Conservancy of Southwest Florida
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