Only in Florida: Video shows gator eating invasive python
Emily Schmidt
Updated on April 04, 2026
The invasive snake proves it's no match for the native reptile.
TAMPA, Fla. (WTSP) – Is this a nightmare? Nope, just Florida.
It's a sight you'd only see in the Sunshine State: a battle between a gator and a python.
The Everglades National Park tweeted a video showing an alligator relaxing with his most recent meal -- a Burmese python.
CHOMP!!! 🐊 This invasive Burmese python was no match for our mighty, native American alligator!
With all the news of pythons overwhelming the Everglades ecosystem, it gives us hope to see our native animals fighting back. 💪
Video by Richard Petrosky
— Everglades National Park (@EvergladesNPS) February 2, 2020
Burmese pythons are an invasive snake species, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has linked severe declines in certain mammal populations to the reptiles in Everglades National Park. The pythons compete with native wildlife -- like the American alligator -- for food.
Hope is not lost, however. It looks like the alligators aren't happy with sharing their turf and are fighting back.
Alligators: 1. Pythons: 0.
