Massive Burmese Python Wraps Up a Young Alligator Before Swallowing It Whole

Without a doubt, massive Burmese pythons (like the one you’re about to see) strike fear into the hearts of humans worldwide. In this video, we learn a little more about these huge snakes and watch an unbelievable battle as a Burmese python swallows an alligator whole. The video begins with a little background.

The narrator tells us Burmese pythons are some of the largest snakes in the world, growing to over 20 feet long and weighing up to 200 pounds. He discusses how they kill – by latching onto their prey with their sharp teeth, coiling their body around it, and squeezing. This killing method is known as constriction, and snakes that employ it are called constrictors.

The narrator goes on to tell us that Burmese pythons have either escaped or been released into the Everglades National Park. These massive snakes thrive so well in that environment that scientists suspect more than 100,000 of them exist in the area. In 2012, the U.S. banned the import of Burmese pythons, but they were much too late. These snakes breed and reproduce quickly, which leads to astonishing numbers of this invasive species. He states the mammals native to the Everglades are no match for these massive Burmese pythons. There’s no stopping this incredible species from invading Florida now!

Burmese Pythons Invading Florida

Due to their increased numbers and lack of available prey, Burmese pythons move closer to human settlements in Florida. They also seek alternative prey items such as pets, such as dogs and cats, but also other animals. As this video shows, that includes the American alligator.

Right at the end of the video, the battle begins between a huge Burmese python and a juvenile alligator. The alligator doesn’t stand a chance as the python squeezes it to death and swallows it whole. They might be scary, but Burmese pythons are also amazing. Let’s watch the video below before learning more about these snakes!

Watch the Massive Burmese Python vs. Alligator Fight Below!

How Do Massive Burmese Pythons Swallow Such Big Prey?

Well, snakes like the massive Burmese python possess a unique jaw shape and formation that allows them to open their mouth very wide. This involves two separate pieces that form their lower jaw. These pieces are connected by very stretchy tendons that allow the snakes’ lower jaws to separate and open their mouth as big as they need. Snakes cannot chew, so they must swallow their prey whole. It takes weeks to months for the prey to be fully digested, depending on the size of the snake and the meal.

What Do Burmese Pythons Normally Eat?

In their native habitat in Southeast Asia, these snakes eat mostly small mammals and birds. Only when they become truly large, do Burmese pythons prey on larger animals. These impressive constrictors reach lengths up to 6 feet before their first birthday. The largest recorded Burmese python ever caught in Florida measured 19 feet long. It weighed in at 125 pounds, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in 2023. This beat the previous year’s record of 18 feet.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © dwi putra stock/Shutterstock.com