As alligator mating season ramps up in Florida, residents may notice more of the scaly predators on the move and eating just about anything they can catch. That includes invasive Burmese pythons.
Florida’s roughly 1.3 million alligators are opportunistic feeders with a wide-ranging diet that includes fish, birds and smaller reptiles.
Evidence shows they will also prey on pythons in the Everglades, offering a small but notable check on the invasive species.
With gators becoming more active in May and June, encounters between these massive reptiles could become more visible.
Here’s what to know:
Do alligators eat pythons in Florida?
Yes. Alligators in Florida have been known to make a meal of Burmese pythons.
In a 2023 USGS study, baby Burmese pythons were outfitted with radio transmitters. Five of the pythons were eaten by alligators.
On Thanksgiving Day in 2024, a large alligator, nicknamed “Godzilla,” was caught on video hauling a massive Burmese python through the water in the Everglades.
In 2023, a Florida woman captured video of a 10-foot alligator in the Everglades eating a large Burmese python.
In 2021, a cyclist filmed a python strangling an alligator to death in the Florida Everglades.
Do pythons eat alligators in Florida?
What’s good for the goose…
Burmese pythons have been known to make a meal of smaller alligators.
For example, a bicyclist filmed a Burmese python strangling an alligator in Big Cypress National Park.
A 5-foot alligator was found inside of an 18-foot Burmese python carcass during a necropsy.
When is alligator mating season?
While alligator courtship begins in early April, mating occurs in May or June, FWC said.
“Females build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposit approximately 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. Incubation requires approximately 60-65 days, and hatching occurs in late August or early September.”
Out of a 35-egg clutch, only about four will reach maturity.
Can you shoot an alligator on your property?
No. Per Florida law, it is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, possess, or capture, or attempt to kill, injure, possess, or capture, an alligator or other crocodilian, or the eggs of an alligator or other crocodilian, unless authorized by Florida Fish and Wildlife.
According to FWC, people concerned about an alligator should call our toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
How to live with alligators in Florida
Since alligators are found in all 67 Florida counties, chances are you’ll have a run-in with one.
FWC shared these tips to keep you and your pets safe:
Call FWC at 866-392-4286 to report a nuisance alligator.
Kim Luciani is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s Audience team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://naplesnews.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: In Florida Everglades clash, gators are eating invasive pythons
Reporting by Kim Luciani, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
