Something new to worry about -- giant snakes invading the US

[starroute]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013132129.htm

Five giant non-native snake species would pose high risks to the health of ecosystems in the United States should they become established here, according to a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report. . . .

Individuals of the largest three species reach lengths of more than 20 feet and upwards of 200 pounds. The reticulated python is the world’s longest snake, and the green anaconda is the heaviest snake. Both species have been found in the wild in South Florida, although breeding populations are not yet confirmed for either. Breeding populations have been confirmed in South Florida for Burmese pythons and the boa constrictor, and there is strong evidence that the northern African python may have a breeding population in the wild as well.

“Compounding their risk to native species and ecosystems is that these snakes mature early, produce large numbers of offspring, travel long distances, and have broad diets that allow them to eat most native birds and mammals,” said Dr. Gordon Rodda, a USGS scientist at the Fort Collins Science Center and the other coauthor of the report.

In addition, he said, most of these snakes can inhabit a variety of habitats and are quite tolerant of urban or suburban areas. Boa constrictors and northern African pythons, for example, already live wild in the Miami metropolitan area. The report notes that there are no control tools yet that seem adequate for eradicating an established population of giant snakes once they have spread over a large area. Making the task of eradication more difficult is that in the wild these snakes are extremely difficult to find since their camouflaged coloration enables them to blend in well with their surroundings.

[spanone]

1. republicans are more dangerous

[csziggy]

2. Yeah but Rove and Limbaugh do not blend into the foliage as well

AS pythons and constrictors.

[timeforpeace]

22. Better this immigration problem than Europe's immigration problem.

[Jackpine Radical]

6. Yup--If a Republican bites you, you're a goner.

No known cure.

[TheWraith]

8. DUzy. nt

[villager]

3. interesting metaphor you have for the GOP...

though really, despite their bad press, I expect snakes live on a much higher ethical plane. As Twain proved, actually, in "Letters From the Earth..."

[peace13]

4. A new food source. n/t

[Sal Minella]

11. You referring to us or them??? . . . n/t

[peace13]

16. : )

[DCKit]

5. As if the invasion by Republicans and the Religiously Insane wasn't enough for FL. n/t

[Jackpine Radical]

9. Maybe we can persuade the Religiously Insane Republicans to take up

snake handling, thereby eliminating several problems at once.

[TheWraith]

7. A year-round open season and a $100 bounty on each dead invasive snake.

Problem solved.

[vadawg]

15. yup, that would do it......

[amyrose2712]

10. SNAKES ON A PLANE MUTHA EFFA!!!

Sorry I couldn't resist.

[brendan120678]

17. I'm sick and tired of...

these mother'effin snakes on this mother'effin plane!!

You know that line was put in specifically to hear Samuel L. Jackson say that word.
I think it's kind of a trademark in his movies now.

[old mark]

12. See? Just when Obama wants to confiscate my guns......nt

[Berry Cool]

13. Snakes...Why did it have to be snakes...?

[elocs]

21. YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXf_l93c6JM

[Rainngirl]

14. I'm going to have to

put that at the bottom of my list of things to worry about. Beck and Limbaugh are the snakes I'm more afraid of.

[BeHereNow]

18. Hey now, SR!!!!

So good to see you again!
BHN

[flvegan]

19. It's because giant idiots get them as pets

then release them when they're no longer convenient.

That's not saying *everyone* that gets a snake of this kind is an idiot. There are many folks that take excellent care of their pet snakes, get them chipped, permits, etc. It's the morons I refer to.

[Greyhound]

20. Wait for it...

[surrealAmerican]

23. This is not a "risk to the health of ecosystems in the United States" ...

... it's a risk to one ecosystem in south Florida. Not that it isn't a serious threat there, but these are tropical species, and unlikely to survive in cooler climates farther north.