Posted on 11/01/2011 10:47:13 PM PDT by BagCamAddict
(CNN) -- A Burmese python slithering through the Everglades proved that her eyes weren't bigger than her stomach, swallowing intact a 76-pound deer.
At 15.65 feet, the python isn't the largest on record. But the size of her prey both impresses and concerns state and federal wildlife scientists and land managers trying to control the non-native species.
"They are large exotic animals that are not naturally from this area," said Randy Smith, spokesperson for the South Florida Water Management District. "The potential to wreak havoc on the natural Florida wildlife ... they don't have true enemies."
Contractors spraying exotic vegetation Thursday came across the female python on an island about 20 miles from Everglades National Park, Smith told CNN Tuesday. It was dispatched, by protocol, with a single shotgun blast to the head.
A necropsy conducted by Everglades National Park wildlife biologists showed the python had a girth of 44.1 inches after devouring the adult female deer. The snake normally weighed 139 pounds.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Doh. Already posted. I already asked Mods to delete this post.
Sort of like the EPA and small business.
Giant creature alien to America swallowing helpless native residents whole?
I liked this comment on the article:
hmmm...walking catfish or giant python...which one do you want to run into?
I predict that walking catfish will evolve into running catfish.
>> Contractors spraying exotic vegetation Thursday came across the female python ...
Note the word “contractors” - citizens have been pretty well run out of the ‘Glades.
Somehow I get the picture of Timmy yelling for Lassie to rescue him from being devoured by this snake, Jimmy hears lassie barking.
From inside the snake.
Shoot them all, make it a $5,000 bounty for every one.
We have a lot of non native snakes and foreigners, including a spurious born President in this country.
there is a small bounty like $50.00. We took an airboat ride thru the everglades this summer. Our guide said the UPS driver hits one every day.
If it can swallow a 76-pound deer, it can swallow a 76-pound human.
I predict that walking catfish will evolve into running catfish.
_____________________________________________________
LOL!
I'd become a hitchhiking catfish TODAY! ;^)
LOL! I love your sense of humor!
I can see a catfish by the side of the interstate, trying to ‘fin’ a ride...
LOL
Now I'm picturing a snake pulling up in a big glitzy low-rider with a grin on his face.
"Need a ride, pal?"
YES! I CAN SEE IT TOO!!! LOL!
Poor catfish just ain’t gonna win on this thread. lol
I need a python to devour a deer. My dog would be in big trouble for doing this. As would a coyote if anyone saw him. A wolf or bear, like a cougar, no harm, no foul. Wonder why a python gets a pass, he's not endangered. Nor native. Like a feral pig and the poor coyote, he should be subject to being shot. Giant python swallows deer whole
Speaking of non native species, I think we need a mute swan season.
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