The Burmese Python is the apex predator of the Everglades today. These massive snakes can grow up to 20 feet long and consume everything from mice, rabbits, bobcats, deer, and even small alligators.
The python kills its prey by constriction and then swallows it whole. In the video below, two pythons are seen competing for food, with the larger python dominating and ultimately resorting to cannibalism by killing and eating the smaller python.
The Burmese Python is an invasive species in the Everglades, having been introduced to the area by pet owners who released them into the wild.
They have no natural predators in the area and have been wreaking havoc on the ecosystem. They have been known to consume endangered species such as the Key Largo woodrat and the wood stork.
Efforts have been made to control the population of Burmese Pythons in the Everglades, including the use of trained dogs to sniff out the snakes and the implementation of hunting programs.
However, the population continues to grow and poses a significant threat to the native wildlife.
In addition to their impact on the ecosystem, Burmese Pythons also pose a danger to humans. While attacks on humans are rare, they have been known to occur, and the sheer size and strength of these snakes make them a formidable opponent.
Overall, the Burmese Python is a fascinating and terrifying creature that has become a major problem in the Everglades.
Efforts to control their population and protect the native wildlife are ongoing, but it remains to be seen if these efforts will be successful in the long term.
