Massive Python Consumes 77-Pound Deer, Revealing Threat to Florida Wildlife

Researchers in Southwest Florida document a 115-pound Burmese python swallowing a deer, highlighting the invasive species' impact on native ecosystems.

The Burmese python, measuring 14.8 feet and weighing 115 pounds, was found consuming a 77-pound white-tailed deer near Naples, Florida.
This event was documented by a team from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, who study the ecological impact of invasive pythons.
The python's ability to consume large prey is attributed to its unique anatomy, allowing its mouth to stretch significantly wider than other snakes of similar size.
The study suggests that larger pythons could potentially consume even bigger prey, posing a significant threat to native wildlife in Florida.
The invasive Burmese python population, originating from the exotic pet trade, has led to a drastic decline in native mammal sightings in areas like the Everglades National Park.