The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently released new climate maps that show the potential spread of Burmese pythons—an invasive species that have taken hold in south Florida. The giant constrictor snakes native to Pakistan and Indonesia could spread to roughly a third of the United States.
The top map shows areas in the U.S. with current climatic conditions similar to those of the snakes’ native ranges. The bottom map projects the climate matche at the end of this century based on global warming models.
“Wildlife managers are concerned that these snakes, which can grow to 20 feet long and more than 250 pounds, pose a danger to state- and federally listed threatened and endangered species as well as to humans,” said Bob Reed, a USGS wildlife biologist. “Several endangered species have already been found in the snakes’ stomachs, and pythons could have even more significant environmental and economic consequences if they were to spread from Florida to other states.”
For more information, visit the Florida Invaders Web site.
