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There are many snakes that we already need to worry in the United States, and this year has given us a new cause of concern about Copperheads stories Found in strollers And delivery drivers get bitten by the bell snakes . But there is a slippery threat that should not be here at all, because an invasive python species continues to spread in Florida. In fact, experts say that this giant species adapts "faster than expected", which means that they could continue to move north. Read the rest to find out more about the latest discoveries.

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In February 2023, US Geological Survey (USGS) scientists published a report On an invasive species of Burmese pythons living in the southern part of Florida. According to the report, it was confirmed that these snakes had established a reproductive population in the State National Everglades in 2000.

"The population has since developed and now occupies a large part of southern Florida. They consume a wide range of animals and have changed the food canvas and ecosystems through the largest Everglades," noted the USGS , describing the invasive python as "one of the most challenges the management problems of invasive species in the world."

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While scientists are aware of the presence of Burmese pythons in Florida Everglades for years, new research indicates that the species is in motion north, According to a report On CBS-Affiliate News 6's Talk to Tom podcast.

On the episode, Kristen Hart , PHD, an ecologist of research in the USGS, told the head of the meteorologist Tom Sorrell This Python DNA was recently found in the browsing waterways in the center of Florida.

"One of my colleagues has tested certain aquatic areas for the presence of Edna," said Hart. "Imagine being in a bathtub and someone says:" Was a human here? "You can test it for skin cells. She did it in places near Kissimmee and things like that:" Yes, there are real evidence that Python DNA is in these places. " ""

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Hart told Sorrell that these Burmese pythons are a great predator: they can climb trees, are good swimmers and can go underground. In a disturbing way, they also acclimatize to colder temperatures in places like the center of Florida "faster than what we expected", some snakes even sharing space with gopher turtles in order to survive with cold fronts. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

According to Hart, the population of Python in the center of Florida could start to multiply if the male and female pythons are found in the same place.

"If they can meet, it is the breeding season. As they are [2 years old], they are mature. So that they can make babies," she warned. "It is also the sexy season, so it really depends on the conditions around the discovery of these individuals. If they were on the move in a wooded area or something - I mean they are looking for friends at the moment. ""

According to Hart, Burmese pythons are apex predators. This means that the more they get closer to humans, the more dog dogs, cats and livestock become. To help, the inhabitants of Florida do their part to perform annual hunts and capture pythons through the state.

At the same time, Hart has said that the USGs envisages genetic solutions to influence the population, but there is still a lot of work to do, and it seems more and more unlikely that these snakes can be completely removed.

"I do not know if we are in the game of eradication, I think we are just in the control plan. They have been here for 40 years. In some places here [South Florida], they are established," said Hart.

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