Python "Nightmare": New Giant Species Invading Florida

by Barbara McPherson | September 14, 2009 at 09:38 am

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Florida residents are facing a python nightmare as a new species is invading that state. African rock pythons have established a beachhead outside of Miami, leading some to speculate that they have been released by pet shop operators who were dismayed at their bad temper.

More dangerous than even Burmese pythons—which are known to eat alligators (alligator-python picture)—the African pythons are "so mean, they come out of the egg striking," said Kenneth Krysko, senior herpetologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.

The African rock python is a giant among snakes. Under ideal conditions it can reach a length of 30 feet and weigh upwards of 250 pounds. These snakes can live for many years and tackle animals as large as antelopes for food. The African rock python is a constrictor which means that it wraps itself around its victim and squeezes the breath out of it.
Florida has been colonized by Burmese pythons which have been eating the Florida wildlife at an alarming rate. These large snakes pose a definite hazard to people as well.
Kenneth Krysko, senior herpetologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainsville, Florida expressed his misgivings about this latest invader to Florida.

The arrival of the Burmese python "was the biggest, [most] devastating problem that Florida ever could have imagined," Krysko said.

"Now we have a worse one."

Florida Has Gone Snake Happy Part 2

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