Fauna Journal Entry

Invasive Snakes Harm Ecosystems (November 9, 2009)

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report says invasive snakes are harming ecosystems in southern Florida. The report named five non-native, "high-risk" species: the boa constrictor, yellow anaconda, Burmese python, and both the northern and southern African python. Four other invasive snake species were labeled "medium-risks" to the state's ecosystems.

The snakes hurt ecosystems in a variety of ways. Because they're big and aggressive, they gobble up food resources and often crowd out native snake species. The hungry predators devour a huge variety of prey, causing problems up and down the food chain. The remains of large animals at the top of the food chain, such as alligators and bobcats, have been found in the stomachs of some captured snakes.

The population of invasive snakes has exploded in recent years, especially in Everglades National Park. There may be tens of thousands of the reptiles. Biologists say the snakes may have been originally released into the wild by pet owners after they got too big or too troublesome to keep. Some snakes may have escaped from pet shops when Hurricane Andrew batttered the state in 1992.

Florida is fighting back. The state's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission now allows approved snake experts to hunt for the invaders in some areas to reduce the snake population. This year, about 300 Burmese pythons have been eliminated from the Everglades.