Once the scientists have finished examining the huge Burmese python, the snake will be mounted for exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History for about five years, and then returned for exhibition at Everglades National Park.
Researchers prepare to examine the insides of a 17-foot-7-inch Burmese python found in Florida's Everglades. The lengthy python, weighing some 164 pounds, was carrying 87 eggs in its oviducts, they found. (Photo from Aug. 10, 2012)
University of Florida herpetologist Kenneth Krysko displays eggs found in the largest Burmese python from Florida to date. Photo taken Aug. 10, 2012.
Several predatory interactions between Burmese pythons and alligators have been documented in Everglades National Park.
Burmese pythons, such as this one, have been found to consume a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, wood storks and Key Largo woodrats.
Tagged pythons can be tracked using radio telemetry on the ground or via aircraft. Seeking out tagged specimens can lead researchers to areas where additional pythons may be recovered.
To learn more about their habits and behaviors, some captured pythons have been surgically implanted with tracking tags and re-released into the wild.
Evidence also suggests larger pythons may be capable of successfully consuming large predators of the Everglades.
Large Burmese pythons are now regularly encountered along trails and visitor areas in the park.
Python molurus bivittatus.
Nonnative Burmese pythons can compete directly with other top predators in the Everglades ecosystem, such as this American alligator.
Necropsies have also helped confirm the presence of pregnant females in the wild. Alt text:
After being euthanized, captured snakes undergo a stomach content analysis to help determine what they are consuming in the wild.
Big Burmese python
Nonnative Burmese pythons now occupy a wide variety of habitats in the park, including uplands, freshwater wetlands and the saline coastal fringe.
Alligator and python struggle.
Invasive Burmese python on her nest in South Florida.
Big Burmese python
Python molurus bivittatus.
