Along With Burmese Species, African Rock Pythons Becoming Established In W. Miami-Dade

[hatrack]

A new invasive python in Florida may be worse than the species already causing ecological havoc across the Everglades, reports the Miami Herald.

A recent string of captures of African rock pythons has authorities worried that the species, smaller but much more aggressive than the already-established Burmese python, is getting a foothold in the state.

"They are just mean, vicious snakes," Kenneth Krysko, senior herpetologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, the Miami Herald. "You couldn't get a worse python to become established. A Burmese python is just a docile snake. These things will lunge at you."

Robert Reed, a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Colorado, told the newspaper that there is evidence to suggest that a population of African rock python has settled near the corner of Tamiami Trail and Krome Avenue in West Miami-Dade, South Florida. What you see probably in no way represents what is out there. When you have three in a year, that rings warning bells," Reed said, referring to three recent captures.

EDIT

http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0922-pythons_florida.html

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Remind me agan why all those people moved to Florida.

[aquart]

2. "Lunge at you"? Fascinating.

[hobbit709]

3. I'm more worried about the idiots that keep mambas and cobras.

What if they get loose.

[pscot]

6. What if?

You think Murphy's law has been suspended? They're out there now, lurking in wait for some unsuspecting jogger.

[glowing]

4. I clicked on a google story about the problem from a station in the

panhandle.. the 3 comments left on the story went to the govt and their inability to handle the situation... AND that there are sneaky snakes everywhere.. even in the whitehouse and they need to be eliminated.. What is up with these idiots. Don't they realize that in order to deal with the problem it will take money resources.. which means tax money from them. Do they think that snake catchers are doing it for free. What a bunch of idiots. Besides, last time I looked, Charlie Crist was the gov and most of the state was in the hands of the pukes.

[XemaSab]

5. I, for one, welcome our new African Rock Python overlords

:patriot: