A 13-foot Burmese python in the Everglades National Park tried to swallow a six-foot alligator. Apparently, it was too big a bite. The python population was introduced in the Everglades by people dumping their pets. From the Associated Press:
The gory evidence of the latest gator-python encounter – the fourth documented in the past three years – was discovered and photographed last week by a helicopter pilot and wildlife researcher.The snake was found with the gator's hindquarters protruding from its midsection. (University of Florida wildlife professor Frank) Mazzotti said the alligator may have clawed at the python's stomach as the snake tried to digest it.
In previous incidents, the alligator won or the battle was an apparent draw.
"There had been some hope that alligators can control Burmese pythons," Mazzotti said. "This indicates to me it's going to be an even draw. Sometimes alligators are going to win and sometimes the python will win."
