You are here

New USGS Study Says We Have Good Reason to Worry About Giant Snakes Loose in America

Share

Published Date

October 16, 2009

Researchers at the South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park, implant a radio transmitter in a 16-foot, 155-pound female Burmese python. National Park Service photo by Lori Oberhofer.

A new USGS report with a long name has this short take-away message: All nine giant constrictor species capable of colonizing parts of the United States pose a moderate to severe ecological risk, and several species pose a small but credible risk to humans.

The just-released open-file scientific report at the center of attention here is a 302-pager authored by Robert N. Reed and G.H. Rodda and bearing the ungainly title Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor. Rapidly growing concern about giant snakes already on the loose and reproducing in parts of the southeastern U.S. -- including at least two national parks (Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve) – insures that this report will be heavily publicized, frequently cited in scientific publications, and perhaps used to justify a “call to arms” in what some alarmed people characterize as a looming war against giant reptile invaders.

Scientists rightly worry about the damage that Burmese pythons and other giant constrictors might do in vulnerable ecosystems like the Everglades. But that’s not all. Pet owners fear for their dogs and cats, parents fear for their children, and elected officials and government agencies fear they’ll catch hell from constituents/taxpayers if they don’t “do something about” this giant snake problem. In such an atmosphere, having sound science on which to base policies, strategies, and tactics is absolutely vital, and that’s what makes studies like this one so welcome.

If you’d like to see the whole report, which reviews the biology of the giant constrictors as well as their ecological risk potential, visit this site. Be warned that this 302-pager is a more than routinely large file (just under 15 MB).Here is the gist of it.

Nine non-native boa, anaconda, and python species are invasive or potentially invasive in the United States, including:

• Indian or Burmese Python (Python molurus)
• Northern African Python (Python sebae)
• Southern African Python (Python natalensis)
• Reticulated Python (Python [or Broghammerus] reticulatus)
• Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
• Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
• Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
• Beni or Bolivian Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis)
• De Schauensee’s Anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei)

The report presents these salient facts and conclusions regarding these giant constrictors:

• Due to their invasiveness potential and characteristics that impede control, all nine species pose risks to ecosystems in the United States. All nine species mature early, produce numerous offspring, travel widely, and will eat most birds and animals they encounter. Our native birds, mammals, and reptiles haven’t encountered constrictors before and haven’t learned how to deal with them.

• Five species -- Burmese pythons, northern and southern African pythons, boa constrictors, and yellow anacondas -- pose a severe ecological risk because they are more commonly brought into this country (mostly via the pet trade) and are more capable of inhabiting diverse habitats and dealing with different climate conditions. Their potential to destabilize colonized ecosystems (primarily by preying on indigenous wildlife) is very high. Though classified “medium risk,” the remaining four species -- reticulated python, Deschauensee’s anaconda, green anaconda, and Beni anaconda -- are potentially serious threats.

• Two of the high risk species -- the Burmese python and the boa constrictor -- are known to be reproducing already in the wilds of South Florida. The Burmese python has been particularly successful in this colonization effort, with its wild population now numbering in the tens of thousands. It’s likely (though not yet proven) that the northern African python may have a breeding population in the wild as well.

• The warmest areas – Florida, extreme south Texas, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and other Pacific islands -- are most vulnerable to colonization by the giant constrictors. Since climate is not the only determinant of distribution, the Burmese python and a few other species may be able to colonize a larger area.

• There is a very small, but credible risk to humans. Although individuals of the three largest species can grow to 20+ feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds, most constrictors that people encounter in the wild would be too small to be lethally dangerous. It remains that mature members of the largest species -- Burmese, reticulated, and northern and southern African pythons -- have attacked and killed people in their native range. Unprovoked attacks are likely to be rare in the United States, with an incidence similar to alligator attacks.

Given the seriousness of the giant constrictors threat, it’s unfortunate that there are no adequate tools for eradicating established populations of giant constrictors once they’ve colonized a large area. Hunting them is problematic because their excellent camouflage makes them very difficult to spot, even from just a few feet away. Trapping and other control methods are being investigated, but there’s no assurance that effective mechanical or chemical controls will be developed.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

What is the best way to kill them? Blow dart to what part of body? Do they attack if you don't kill them? What do they taste like? Could they get into your house or would they look for swimming pools like the 'gators did in severe drought?
Could we get a law passed that a zoo could only have one sex in case disaster lets them out of zoo. I only live a few miles from Ft. Worth Zoo Herpetarium!

Good story , as usual! Thank you.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.