Once imported to Florida as exotic pets, Burmese pythons have become one of the most devastating invasive species the state has ever faced. As their numbers grow, their impact on native wildlife in the Everglades becomes more dire. Recent studies reveal these snakes are not only surviving – they’re thriving in ways that surpass even scientists’ expectations.
A new study by researchers Ian Bartoszek and Ian Easterling of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, along with Dr. Bruce Jayne from the University of Cincinnati, sheds light on just how dangerous these apex predators have become.
The Science of a Massive Appetite

Bartoszek, Easterling, and Jayne’s research, published in Reptiles and Amphibians, explores the Burmese python’s ability to consume large prey. The study focuses on the python’s maximal gape – the measurement of how wide their jaws can open. This is a critical factor in determining the size of prey these snakes can swallow. Their findings reveal a gape far larger than previously recorded, with measurements showing diameters up to 10.2 inches. This unprecedented size allows Burmese pythons to consume prey as large as adult deer.
A Record-Breaking Meal

One of the most jaw-dropping observations documented in the study involved a 115-pound python consuming a 77-pound white-tailed deer. The deer was nearly 67% of the python’s body weight, highlighting the snake’s ability to push the limits of its physical anatomy. As Dr. Jayne explained, these snakes are not simply opportunistic feeders – they actively challenge the boundaries of what their bodies can handle.
Unprecedented Findings in Gape Measurement

The ABC7 report by Alexa Velez added further context to the study, emphasizing the significance of these measurements. Previous research suggested a maximum gape diameter of 8.7 inches, but the latest findings shattered this record.
Velez highlighted the collaborative work between the Conservancy and the University of Cincinnati, which recorded pythons capable of opening their mouths wider than anyone thought possible. These measurements are more than just numbers – they provide critical insights into how invasive Burmese pythons are reshaping the food web of the Everglades.
The Human Impact of a Python Invasion

The consequences of these findings are stark. Velez reported that Burmese pythons are not just eating deer; they’re devouring entire populations of smaller mammals such as raccoons and bobcats. In some areas, mammal populations have dropped by as much as 90%. This ecological collapse has cascading effects, disrupting the balance of the Everglades and threatening endangered species like the Florida panther.
A Decade of Fighting Back

Since 2013, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has worked tirelessly to track and remove Burmese pythons. Bartoszek’s team has eliminated over 18 tons of pythons from a 150-square-mile area, with over 770 snakes removed. However, as Bartoszek explained, “This is a wildlife issue of our time for the Greater Everglades ecosystem.” Despite these efforts, the snakes’ ability to reproduce and adapt continues to challenge researchers and hunters alike.
Hunters on the Frontline

Velez’s ABC7 report also highlighted the work of dedicated python hunters, such as Donna Kalil. Kalil has personally captured over 600 pythons, helping to reduce their population and mitigate their impact on the ecosystem. Hunters like Kalil play a vital role in controlling these predators, often at significant personal risk.
A Problem We Created

The origins of Florida’s python crisis lie in the exotic pet trade of the 1980s and 1990s. These snakes were initially sold as pets but were frequently abandoned in the wild once they outgrew their owners’ ability to care for them. Released into the Everglades, they found an environment teeming with prey and free of natural predators. What started as a human-created issue has now spiraled into an ecological disaster.
Advanced Tracking and Research

To combat the growing threat, researchers have turned to advanced tracking technology. Radio transmitters implanted in pythons allow scientists to study their movement, behavior, and reproductive patterns. These tools are essential for understanding the biology of these elusive predators and developing strategies to control their population.
The Ever-Adaptive Python

Dr. Jayne’s study and Velez’s reporting emphasize the adaptability of Burmese pythons. Their elastic skin and unfused lower jawbones allow them to consume prey far larger than most other snake species. This anatomical advantage, combined with their opportunistic feeding habits, makes them uniquely effective invaders.
Lessons for the Future

The Burmese python invasion is a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of introducing non-native species. The combination of scientific research, public awareness, and on-the-ground efforts like those of the Conservancy and python hunters is essential for mitigating the impact of these predators. However, the scale of the problem underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent similar crises in the future.
Vital Work

As the Everglades faces its greatest ecological challenge, the work of researchers, hunters, and conservationists becomes more vital than ever. The Burmese python is not just a fascinating predator – it’s a symbol of the delicate balance between human actions and environmental consequences. With ongoing research and collaborative efforts, there’s hope that we can restore the Everglades to its former glory while learning valuable lessons for the future of conservation.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.