Giant Pythons Could Spread Quickly Across South [As if killer bees and kudzu weren't enough...]

FOX ^

[Sub-Driver]

Giant Pythons Could Spread Quickly Across South

Monday , May 12, 2008 By Katie Tweed

As if killer bees and kudzu weren't enough, the southern United States may soon have another invasive species to contend with — giant Burmese pythons capable of swallowing deer and alligators whole.

Approximately 30,000 of the big snakes, which can reach 30 feet and 200 pounds, already live wild in Florida's Everglades, thanks to thick-headed pet owners who've released them into the swamps when they've grown too large to keep at home.

But now the U.S. Geological Survey says Florida is not the only place the Burmese python can thrive.

In fact, the big beasts, which are not poisonous and rarely attack humans, could live happily in the entire southern third of the country, from Southern California to Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley and up the Eastern Seaboard to Chesapeake Bay.

All it would take would be enough pet releases in various locations to create a breeding population.

[Bitsy]

We have them here in Louisiana as well. You know, if it walks on all fours, crawls, slithers or hops, we will roll it in flour and fry it in fat! It’s all good.

[tubebender]

This will cheer you up. You can start grillin these oversize Eels after you have deep fried all the Rattle Snakes in Texas...

[SouthTexas]

It may be a while before they get here. Figure they'll have a hard time getting past the Cajuns in south Louisiana.

[TexanToTheCore]

Looks like their will be a run on .410s at Walmart. 100 pounds of python fritters for a .25 shell. Not bad.

[bmwcyle]

LOL

[G8 Diplomat]

giant Burmese pythons capable of swallowing deer and alligators whole.

Given the many instances of Floridians finding alligators in their kitchens and elsewhere, it might not be such a bad idea to have these guys around.

How many snakes are there on the loose now? Since it's Florida, let's do a recount!