Another species of python is raising concern (Fl., Sarasota)

[ensho]

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091103/ARTICLE/911031047/2062/NEWS?Title=Another-species-of-python-is-raising-concern-in-region


If thousands of Burmese pythons slithering through the Everglades are not worrisome enough, wildlife experts are now warning of another invasive reptile found as close as east Sarasota.

-snip-

Recently, a man wrangled a 7-foot African rock python off State Road 72, near Myakka River State Park. The catch, as well as other reports of pythons in and around the park, have scientists worried that the giant snakes -- among the most aggressive in the world -- could begin breeding here.

-snip-

Both Burmese and rock pythons like to live along rivers, where they can hide under water to ambush prey day or night. The Myakka River provides a good habitat, aided by temperatures that rarely dip below freezing.

All pythons are invasive in Florida and present a threat to native wildlife. They grow to 20 feet and eat anything that moves.

-snip-

While scientists consider the invasion of Burmese pythons irreversible, rock pythons have yet to become so ubiquitous.
-snip-
---------------------------------

so now pythons are indigenous to Florida? isn't that nice.

[fishnfla]

1. invasive, not indigenous

just like everything else in florida, except gators

[FLAprogressive]

2. so true.....

[ensho]

7. if they are here to stay, when do they become indigenous?

nt

[FLAprogressive]

3. I live in the Sarasota area and I fear we have a big problem on our hands.

[Vickers]

4. You should see the herds of iguanas around here (Palm Beach County)

They aren't generally dangerous to people, but MAN when you happen on one not expecting it they are pretty alarming looking (they get to be about 6 feet long).

:P

[ensho]

5. yes, the Key West golf course has a bunch eating up the bird eggs,

etc.

[imdjh]

6. I have some kind of 5 foot snake that lives in my backyard and/or under my house.

I have no mice or rats. With orange trees only about 30 feet from the house, rats should be in evidence. But they aren't.

It is creepy sometimes. I'll be at the breakfast table having coffee and my animal sense will notice something move, and there's the snake, getting ready to snatch a frog or something. Just a couple of days ago, I was resting from yard work and stupidly wearing sandals, when a snake slithered over my foot. It's good for the heart.

[RebelOne]

8. You do not have to wrangle with a 7-foot snake.

I had two boa constrictors that were each 7 feet long and I did not have to wrangle them. No sweat. I would just pick them up. The reporter is trying to portray the man as a brave snake hunter.