9.6M
ONFlorida scientists witnessed a Burmese python swallowing full-sized deer whole ππ #OnlyinFlorida
By the time they got to the scene, the python had already swallowed about half of the 77-lb deer, and it took about 30 more minutes for the 15-ft female python to consume the other half.
Researchers in the region recently proved that Burmese pythons are able to stretch their jaws wide enough to swallow large prey, such as fully grown deer and alligators whole.
Burmese pythons are one of the most concerning invasive species in the region. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), severe declines in mammal populations throughout Everglades National Park have been linked to the species. A study found that populations of raccoons had declined 99.3%, opossum populations declined 98.9%, and bobcats 87.5% since 1997. Other mammals have βeffectively disappearedβ over time, such as marsh rabbits, cottontail rabbits and foxes, according to the USGS. Deer are also primary prey for Florida panthers so this is a major concern for the endangered species.
π Florida Everglades
Tag us in your Florida videos to get reposted!
Via @conservancyswf
.
.
.
.
#onlyinfl #florida #floridanews #floriduh #floridalife #floridaliving #floridaeverglades #evergladesnationalpark #floridawildlife #floridawild #burmesepython #python #pythons #floridian #floridians #naples #naplesflorida #naplesfl #southwestflorida #swfl #swflorida #sofl #soflorida #soflo #southflorida #southfl
@onlyinfloridaa
