Photo: Joe McDonald / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Shark Valley, FL - A rare wildlife encounter in the Florida Everglades was captured on video showing an alligator struggling to eat a massive Burmese python.
On August 8th, Alison Joslyn was riding her bike near Shark Valley when she noticed the alligator in the water holding the large python in its jaws.
She stayed and observed the alligator’s struggle to swallow the invasive snake for several minutes.
Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida and are known to threaten the local ecosystem by preying on native animals.
They have no natural predators in the region, which has contributed to their population growth.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission organizes efforts to reduce the Burmese python population, including an annual event known as the Florida Python Challenge.
The 2025 challenge ran from July 11 to July 20th, with more than 900 participants hunting and removing these snakes from South Florida locations, especially the Everglades.
The python hunting event aims to control the invasive species and protect Florida’s native wildlife, as Burmese pythons disrupt the ecological balance and pose risks to local animals.
The video highlights a rare moment when a native apex predator, the American alligator, interacts with the invasive Burmese python in the Everglades.
Such encounters show the ongoing struggle within Florida’s swamp ecosystems as efforts continue to manage invasive species.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages the public to report sightings and assist in removal programs to help preserve the state’s natural habitats.