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Burmese python AP Photo/Alysia Patterson
South Florida's giant snakes are making headlines again.
According to a U.S. Geological Survey press release, USGS issued a 300-page report Tuesday, stating that "five giant non-native snake species would pose high risks to the health of ecosystems in the United States should they become established here".
An October 13th report by the U.S. Geological Survey has documented that Burmese pythons and boa constrictors are reproducing in the wild in South Florida, with population estimates for Burmese pythons in the "tens of thousands."
The USGS scientists who authored the report say that "individuals of the largest three species reach lengths of more than 20 feet and upwards of 200 pounds."
Apparently, we grow good snakes here. Both the world's longest snake, the reticulated python, and the world's heaviest snake, the green anaconda, have been found in the wild in South Florida.
The USGS press release states that “compounding their risk to native species and ecosystems is that these snakes mature early, produce large numbers of offspring, travel long distances."
Plus, a USGS scientist has even more upbeat news on the sprawling South Florida python populations: as if Miamians didn't already own enough diets-- introducing the trendy new Miami snake diet. It's the diet where giant snakes eat most native birds and mammals.
The best part is-- for those of us not living in the swamps of the Everglades-- the report stated that "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." Miami can proudly boast it's very own wild population of "metro-snakes".
It has been reported that federal authorities in two agencies asked the USGS to conduct the study so they can determine how best to deal with the problem; but the good news is that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is right on top of the issue.
PETA has naturally expressed concern for what they consider the unnatural killing of giant killer snakes. And from the looks of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission news release dated October 9th, PETA's demands for kindler, gentler giant snake-killing may not have been addressed as of yet.
On July 30, 2009, Lori Kettler, Senior Counsel for PETA, voiced the following apprehensions in a letter to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
"I am writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 2 million members and supporters to express our concerns regarding the manner in which Burmese pythons and other reptiles may be killed pursuant to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's permit programs.
PETA is concerned that the methods of euthanasia -- a word that is derived from the Greek terms for "good death" -- as set forth in the Burmese python permit do not appear to be accepted methods of euthanasia for reptiles and thus may lead to an unnecessarily cruel death for these animals."
Thankfully, while South Florida's and potentially the nation's ecosystems and wildlife are being threatened by invasive species, PETA is doing their best to ensure that thousands of 200-pound giant snakes die a dignified death.
Comments
The best solution would be to allow all captured pythons to eat PETA members for a snack.
It would be a win-win situation for the entire ecosystem.
Great idea CAG. I'll take it one step further. How about ALL captured snakes?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/13/09
USGS set to release controversial Boa & Python Study. Reptile experts question credibility of taxpayer funded study. Encourages lead federal wildlife agency to stay above politics.
Wilmington, NC October 13 2009- The US Geologic Survey (USGS) plans to release a new study on nine large constricting snakes… including Boa Constrictor, one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. The primary author of the study is Gordon Rodda, best known as manager of the failed 20-year government-funded project to eradicate the Brown Treesnakes in Guam costing taxpayers more than 100 million dollars.
The paper is expected to be a book length document depicting a scenario where giant constricting snakes are poised to take over the country unless severe steps are taken to take away the legal rights of individuals and businesses to possess and work with these animals. Accompanying the paper will likely be a map graphic that Rodda hopes will stimulate enough in
i think they should kill all snake
PETA......People for the Eating of Tastey Animals
Cag has a great idea I will lobby my congressman to endorse such a bill.
ignorant writer, ignorant comments. if the snakes were cute and cuddly then people would care about how they are dealt with. the snakes are a problem but not the original problem. the problem starts with the ignorant people that buy them illegally because they think they are cool and then release them because they cant care for them once they are overgrown.
PETA stands for the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. All animals. not just the cute and cuddly ones.
living in south florida, i have come across a lot of non native species that pose a much higher threat to locals...and i am refering to all ignorant people from other countries, speeding through 95 and 836 thinking they are better than anyone, v.i.p., #1, F. U. here I come, get out of my way, making left turns when the light has already turned red, doing 65 mph right in front of my sons elementary school.
i rather take my chance with the snakes and chop the heads of these other snakes.
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