Research publications or reports from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Burmese Python Swallows 77-Pound Deer, Reveals Massive Mouth Gape in Florida

Oct 25, 2024, 07:39 AM

Scientists in Florida have been stunned after observing a Burmese python swallowing a 77-pound deer, demonstrating that the invasive species can eat larger prey than previously realized. The incident highlights the impressive capacity of the python's mouth gape, allowing it to consume animals larger than expected. This event underscores concerns about the impact of the invasive Burmese python on Florida's ecosystem, as they compete with native predators and reduce populations of native species. Researchers are now considering the implications of these findings for wildlife management and control measures.