Giant snakes quietly 'invaded' America

Nine strange snakes have invaded the United States and they can kill native animals, the US Geological Bureau warns.

National Geographic said that many households in the state of Florida, USA are raising two exotic snakes, including Burmese pythons. Many children reach a length of more than 6 m and a volume of up to 90 kg. A number of documents document the cases of pythons originating from Myanmar, North Africa and South Africa killing people.

All 9 strange snakes in the US belong to the group of invasive or invasive animals. This means they can survive and reproduce in many different areas. They reach adulthood very quickly and lay many babies.

Experts implanted radio transmitters into the body of a 5-meter Burmese python in Everglades National Park, Florida state.Photo: National Geographic .

A study by the US Geological Bureau found that five giant snakes can become a major threat to humans and ecosystems. They include Burmese pythons, pythons from South Africa, North African pythons, giant South American pythons and giant yellow pythons. The other four species - including giant python Deschauensee, giant green python, giant python Beni, Southeast Asian python - are considered medium hazards.

According to the US Geological Bureau, nine strange snakes come from many countries in Asia, South America and Africa in the form of imports. Their number in the US can range from a few tens of thousands to several hundred thousand individuals. Some species only live in Texas and Florida, but other species can invade 1/3 of the US area. Due to the camouflage ability of snakes, it is difficult for humans to recognize them.

"If there are 1,000 snakes in one area, you only have a chance to see one , " said Bob Reed, a scientist with the US Geological Bureau.

South American giant python is the world's heaviest snake.This python has invaded the United States.Photo: National Geographic.

Reed thinks that the vast majority of pythons in nature have been kept in the home. Many snake growers think that releasing them into nature is a good thing, but that behavior can pose a threat to ecosystems.

"If you hate nature, you only need to raise snakes and release them into the wild environment," said Gordon Rodda, an animal expert with the US Geological Bureau.

According to National Geographic, strange snakes can cause immeasurable effects on ecosystems. For example, after World War II the brown tree snakes were brought to Guam, USA. Soon the number of wildlife on the island in the southern Pacific Ocean dropped very quickly. Many mammals, birds, lizards - animals that snakes catch to eat - play a big role in pollination and seed dispersal. Their disappearance reduced the number of plants on Guam.

A similar situation can occur in many other areas of the US - where many small animals do not know how to deal with snake hunting.

"Our native animals have not experienced the discovery of giant snakes and their lethal tactics , " Reed said.