http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2008-02-20-burmese-pythons_N.htm

FACT: The only thing more scary than climate change is snakes. According to estimates, climate change could cause an explosive population growth of snakes not native to sovereign U.S. soil.

As climate change warms the nation, giant Burmese pythons could colonize one-third of the USA, from San Francisco across the Southwest, Texas and the South and up north along the Virginia coast, according to U.S. Geological Survey maps released Wednesday.

Two federal agencies — the USGS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — are investigating the range of nine invasive snakes in Florida, concerned about the danger they now pose to endangered species. The agencies are collecting data to aid in the control of these populations.

These snakes can grow up to 20 feet long and 250 lbs. Invasive snake species should be labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.

USA Today, February 21, 2008

Submitted by B. Shapiro