Herpetologists know that Burmese pythons are relentless predators. And those snake experts have long claimed that increasing numbers of a reptile that doesn’t belong in southern Florida is responsible for the falling number of mammals that do belong in southern Florida. Thanks to an unusual experiment, the wildlife experts now have proof.

In 2016, scientists released 26 marsh rabbits fitted with tracking devices into Everglades National Park. Researchers noticed that the marsh rabbits did well at first. They thrived and had plenty of babies. But when warmer weather set in, the marsh rabbits began to vanish.

Experts know Burmese pythons become more active as temperatures rise. They need warmth to digest their food. Researchers claimed that the marsh rabbits had begun to disappear because Burmese pythons were hunting them down. How do you think researchers were able to state for a fact that 77% of the missing rabbits had been eaten by Burmese pythons?

Here’s how: They followed the signals of the tracking devices—straight to the bellies of Burmese pythons! That’s pretty solid proof, wouldn’t you say?

Did You Know?

• Burmese pythons are not venomous. They are constrictor snakes, killing prey by squeezing and suffocating it.

• They are excellent swimmers, but move only about 1 mph on the ground.

• They can take in an animal four or five times the diameter of their own heads.

• Females produce about 40 eggs every two years. Hatchlings are about 2 feet long.