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Title: Snake bursts after gobbling gator Post by: Aava on October 06, 2005, 02:27:25 PM BBC News:
"The predators died in the clash Enlarge Image An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps. The Burmese python tried to swallow its fearsome rival whole but then exploded. The remains of the two giant reptiles were found by astonished rangers in the Everglades National Park. The rangers say the find suggests that non-native Burmese pythons might even challenge alligators' leading position in the food chain in the swamps. Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species Prof Frank Mazzotti The python's remains with the victim's tail protruding from its burst midsection were found last week. The head of the python was missing. "Encounters like that are almost never seen in the wild... And here we are," Frank Mazzotti, a University of Florida wildlife professor, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency. "They were probably evenly matched in size. If the python got a good grip on the alligator before the alligator got a good grip on him, he could win," Professor Mazzotti said. He said the alligator may have clawed at the python's stomach, leading it to burst. "Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species," Prof Mazzotti said. He said that there had been four known encounters between the two species in the past. In the other cases, the alligator won or the battle was an apparent draw. Burmese pythons - many of whom have been dumped by their owners - have thrived in the wet and hot climate of Florida's swamps over the past 20 years. " Go see the picture of the exploded python. :o http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4313978.stm Title: Re: Post by: SLCPUNK on October 06, 2005, 02:51:22 PM I just saw this..amazing!
And gross too. Title: Re: Post by: Evolution on October 06, 2005, 06:11:43 PM That's pretty incredible. I once saw a slideshow of a snake with a full kangaroo eaten inside it :o
Title: Re: Post by: Tj on October 06, 2005, 06:13:06 PM I'm so confused by that photo :hihi: I can't quite work out what's what! I think I got it though...
Title: Re: Post by: Sterlingdog on October 06, 2005, 07:21:25 PM I'm so confused by that photo? :hihi: I can't quite work out what's what! I think I got it though... I was confused by that too. Then I realized that the picture was far too disgusting to keep staring at! Title: Re: Snake bursts after gobbling gator Post by: Lisa on October 07, 2005, 10:56:55 AM so..what happened to the head??
Title: Re: Snake bursts after gobbling gator Post by: Evolution on October 07, 2005, 11:36:36 AM so..what happened to the head?? I think it flew off |