In this evening’s Fauna Face-Off event, the American Insti-Gator takes on Monty the Burmese Python. Environmentalists around the ring rejoice as this native Everglades favorite goes against this invasive reptile. Entering the ring with a fit of “boos”and reaching 23 feet long, weighing in at 200 lbs; in the blue corner, we have Monty the Burmese Python. In the opposing corner, hoping his home-field advantage will help him achieve victory, reaching 18 feet and weighing 600 lbs, we have the native Orlando alligator, the American Insti-Gator.
As the starting bell sounds, you can see a twinkle in the Insti-Gator’s eye. It looks like he’s hungry; after all, Monty and his non-native friends have been decreasing the native food supply, consuming mass quantities of raccoons, opossums, and even bobcats, ultimately throwing the ecosystem off balance.
Insti-Gator has moved within striking distance and Monty lets him have it with a powerful bite. Monty immediately recoils after the initial maneuver, as it seems he underestimated the strength of Insti-Gator’s armor. Monty goes in for another blow as Insti-Gator waits patiently with his mouth open, ready to strike at the opportune moment, but Monty can’t get a grip on the Insti-Gator’s tough hide. That will make constricting Insti-Gator more difficult since he can’t get a good grip.
The Orlando alligator seems pleased with Monty’s dilemma--but wait, Monty has gotten a decent grip on Insti-Gator. Now Insti-Gator is performing his bone-crushing move, the death roll, in an effort to shake himself free but it works to Monty’s advantage, only wrapping him tighter. Insti-Gator may be in trouble here, he’s completely wrapped up now and you can see that Monty is really squeezing. The Everglades favorite is in big trouble--but Monty’s bite slips, and in a split second Insti-Gator turns his head and delivers a 2,125 lb bite-force upon Monty’s head.
Monty’s biggest mistake was not securing Insti-Gator’s mouth--his most powerful weapon. Now, Insti-Gator is slurping Monty down like a piece of fettuccine. I guess we all know now that in the Everglades battle, the alligator reigns supreme over this invasive serpent.
To see these incredible creatures in the wild, contact Wild Florida for an Everglades airboat ride. For additional information on Orlando alligators, continue to browse through our blogs.
Do you agree with the victor of this Friday’s Fauna Face-Off? Share your comments with us below.
