Python vs. Alligator (NSR - duh)

**Lane Meyer** · 10-05-2005, 05:44 PM

HOLY SHIT!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4313978.stm

Snake bursts after gobbling gator

Both giant predators died in the clash

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.

**runethechamp** · 10-05-2005, 05:47 PM

Rerun from the Padded Room.

**DarkStar** · 10-05-2005, 08:04 PM

Well given that its on the front page of CNN.com, I'd guess that it probably isn't a hoax. Aside from that, the scale of alligator and snake appears to be consistent and within reason...I would have guessed that the snake was definitely no more than 15ft. long.

**warthog** · 10-05-2005, 09:11 PM

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.

This is all over the news here. I was surprised to see it here already. Well, not that surprised.

**freshie247** · 10-06-2005, 01:04 AM

I find this hard to believe because snakes & most animals that swallow their prey whole, always eat their prey head first.

**Mrs Roo** · 10-06-2005, 02:03 AM

I saw it this morning in one of the London papers (not that they are especially reliable).

**Tippster** · 10-06-2005, 07:14 AM

I'm pretty sure that, despite Bullet2's snide remark, neither the BBC or CNN have much to gain by making this up, and a whole lot of credibility to lose. They're not Ananova.com.

It was a small alligator (6ft tip to tail ain't much) and a 13ft snake. We're not talking 20ft Nile Crocs here. It also DOES look like the gator was swallowed head first, if the part of the snake on the upper left is its Tail (it sure looks like it to an ex-Burmese owner.) Also, I've watched my snake eat rabbits that were still twitching -- i.e. not "damn sure dead" and have also seen prey come "back" to life in their gut.

**ulty_guy** · 10-06-2005, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by Mrs Roo

I saw it this morning in one of the London papers (not that they are especially reliable).

but i thought the sun was always right

...at least page 3 is

**subtle plague** · 10-06-2005, 07:51 AM

that reminds me of the band "bear vs. shark". whenever i read that name i imagine a grizzly coming to a lake to catch fish and then getting attacked by a giant white resulting in the ultimate battle

of course this is very unlikely except for maybe the american west coast, but it would be cool nevertheless.(yeah i know this will never happen)

**basom** · 10-06-2005, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by subtle plague

i imagine a grizzly coming to a lake to catch fish and then getting attacked by a giant white resulting in the ultimate battle

(yeah i know this will never happen)

not with that attitude it wont!

**Hayduke** · 10-06-2005, 01:24 PM

I find this whole story a bit hard to swallow.

**jump** · 10-06-2005, 02:34 PM

Don't forget that they are feeding the remains to Nellie the Lochness.

**Cornholio** · 10-06-2005, 02:38 PM

SNOPES KNOWS ALL
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/snakegator.asp

**Dirty Hoar** · 10-06-2005, 03:13 PM

Snopes is part of the conglomorate THEY. You can't argue with THEM. THEY own THEM and THEIR too. When THEY, THEM, and THEIR get together they make US. I bet you didn't realize you were one of THEM... did you? What were you saying again???