Rodda and Reed report that three of the species that they focused on are already reproducing in the Everglades and other portions of south Florida: the boa, Burmese python ( Python molurus bivittatus) and Northern African python ( Python sebae). pet trade - can easily exceed six meters. As North America’s climate warms, the two predict, these invaders might even expand that range - by the end of this century becoming permanent residents of the Midwest.Įxcept for the relatively diminutive boa constrictor, which may reach four meters in length,the constrictors dealt with in the new report - and commonly imported into the U.S. Geological Survey observe in a 300-page assessment. Or so Gordon Rodda and Robert Reed of the U.S. Based on comparisons of the temperatures, rainfall and land cover found in the snakes’ native range, it’s possible that these slithering behemoths could stake claims to territory as far north as coastal Delaware and Oregon. Indeed, the homelands of these snakes share climatic features with large portions of the United States - territory currently inhabited by some 120 million Americans. Skip Snow, NPS/USGS MAPPING SNAKE COMFORT ZONES The red states contain climate and land features that might make them hospitable to giant, invasive snakes. Roy Wood, NPS/USGS ANACONDA This yellow anaconda was picked up in Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve. coasts as far north as Oregon and Delaware. USGS MOVING UP NORTH? This cold-tolerant Burmese python, captured in Florida, could theoretically survive along the U.S. Exotic snakes are making inroads in domestic climes, as described in the Science & the Public blog. THE BIG WRAP This matchup between a Florida gator and Burmese python shows the snake’s tenacity in hunting big game. Which is why a report that was released today contends they pose moderate to high ecological threats to states on three U.S. And there’s nothing holding them in the Sunshine State. Today, thousands of really big non-native snakes - we’re talking boa constrictors, anacondas and pythons - slither wild in southern Florida. Most are probably descendants of released pets. They don't bite in defense, but rather will release a foul-smelling musk from the base of the tail when threatened.Some were pets whose bodies and appetites apparently got too big for their owners to support. When disturbed, they usually roll into a compact ball with the head in the center. These snakes are extremely docile when encountered by humans. When a meal is within reach, usually a few inches, a rosy boa strikes with surprising speed and accuracy. It is unable to pursue prey and must either wait in ambush or stalk its meals. Rosy boas are one of the slowest-moving snakes in the world. Recent rainfall often results in a flurry of surface activity. During dry periods they remain deep underground to stay hydrated. Because most populations of the Rosy boa live in exceedingly dry habitats, activity is often highly moisture-dependent. In the late spring and summer, they are active from dusk to late into the night. In the spring, they are often out in the afternoon and early evening. These snakes can be active during any hour of the day, but during hot weather, they are primarily nocturnal. Another reason why Rosy boas may be active on the surface of the ground is to find prey or new territory. The spring is the breeding season, resulting in their highest rate of activity. Rosy boas generally brumate (hibernate) during the winter, and are active during the spring, summer, and fall. In areas with few rocks, these snakes use rodent burrows for concealment. Rosy boas spend most of their life concealed beneath rocks and in crevices to escape the elements and natural predators.
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