The Problem

In a recent report from the USGS, findings show that several species of boa, anaconda, and python currently are, or have the potential to be invasive in the United States.  The high-risk species list includes the following:

• yellow anacondas
• northern African pythons
• southern African pythons
• boa constrictors
• Burmese pythons

Currently, the Burmese python poses the greatest risk, in that this species has already reproduced in the tens of thousands.

The Potential Damage

While the thought of “giant” snakes slithering near your neighborhood is not pleasant for some, high-risk snakes like the Burmese python do not pose an immediate threat to humans.  There have been reports of reticulated pythons attacking humans in their native countries, however any real danger of unprovoked human attack from these non-native snakes is very unlikely.

However, scientists are very concerned about the risk that these snakes pose to ecosystems as a whole, and to endangered species specifically.  In Florida, the endangered Key Largo woodrats have already been found to have been eaten by Burmese pythons.

In climate areas where these invasive snakes are likely to appear, native wildlife is in great danger, in that they have never had to contend with such large predators.  The USGS was clear to point out that birds, reptiles, and mammals are particularly vulnerable.

Geographical Snake Forecast

In an effort to predict where these non-native snakes can potentially dwell, the USGS created forecasts, including maps, to illustrate likely habitats.  Currently, northern African pythons and boa constrictors can be found in Miami, Florida, but for one non-native species – the Burmese python –   climates in multiple states can provide favorable living conditions.

According to one forecast map, the Burmese python could inhabit areas in most of the southern continental United States.  Parts of central California, Virgina, and even northern Oklahoma have favorable climates conducive to the survival of Burmese pythons.  By 2100, the favorable climate zones are expected to extend even further north due to the effects of global warming.

The Solution

National wildlife and park agencies are doing all they can to assess the potential danger to the ecosystem that these non-native snakes may cause.  The USGS states that they are working together with The Fish and Wildlife Service and The National Park Service to conduct risk-assessment, and to use scientific evidence to examine the threat of snake colonies.  Agencies will use the 300-page USGS report as a guide for any future regulations.

If you have a non-native snake as a pet, and can no longer care for it, please contact your local wildlife animal or reptile rescue, or try and find your slithery friend another good home.  Releasing a non-native snake into the wild is not only illegal, but also dangerous to your pet, your neighborhood, and to other wildlife.

For more information about the United States Geological Survey report on giant invasive snakes in the United States, please visit the USGS website.

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Indian Cobra Courtesy of Wikipedia user Kamalnv

The big four venomous snakes in Asia are the four snakes that are most common to kill. These snakes are all quick to bite and can be deadly in a very short period of time.  What truly makes the big four dangerous, however, is the fact that they are all found in and around the human population.  This leads to more venomous snake bites than in most countries, and in turn, more deaths.

Each of these powerful venomous snakes are capable of killing a human, and each of them can be readily found throughout the cities of India.  These venomous snakes are kind of a win/lose situation for the residents there – on the one hand they keep the vermin population in check, and on the other they are deadly if you are bitten.  Anti-venin is available widely throughout India in the event of a snake bite, and is a must if you are bitten by these big four snakes.

You will notice that the lengendary king cobra is not on this list of the big four.  The reason?  The king cobra is a reclusive snake that is content to hang out in the jungle.  For this reason, they do not come in contact with the people of India nearly as often.  Therefore they are not as dangerous.  A bite from a king cobra is as deadly as they come, but they are just much rarer.

Here are some interesting notes about each of the big four venomous snakes of Asia:

The Indian Cobra – also called a monocled cobra.  The Indian cobra is the cobra of legend that has a pair of monocled glasses on it’s back.  They are quite venomous, and will bite readily if you surprise or harrass them.  This is the snake that is used by snake charmers in India.

Russell's Viper Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons User Saleem Hameed

The Russell’s Viper – This snake is one of the most feared snakes in Asia.  One reason is because the snake is so tough to see, and so quick to bite.  They will strike without warning, and deliver a highly potent painful deadly snake bite.  The Russell’s viper is no joke in India.

The Saw-Scaled Viper – This little buggar is interesting in that it sounds much like a small rattlesnake.  The sound that it makes comes from rubbing it’s own scales against one another to create a buzzing noise.  This noise is sure to get people’s attention in India as they know the danger of this highly aggressive viper.

The Common Krait – Another potentially deadly snake that is famous in India.  It appears this

Saw Scaled Viper

snake is prone to climbing into bed with you in pursuit of a rodent or other vermin.  This is not a nightime surprise I would want to experience.  The common Krait is a beautiful but potentially deadly reptile.

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Kansas Rattlesnake's New Entry

In Kansas, rattlesnakes are not supposed to get so big and nasty.  In some of the larger state parks, more and more western diamondback rattlesnakes are showing up.  Why is this a big deal?  Primarily because Western Diamondbacks are not native to Kansas.

The Western diamondback rattlesnake is nearly three times the size of the average Kansas rattlesnake.  Kansas rattlesnakes are normally very small.  The Kansas rattlesnakes that are natives are the prarie rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, and the massasauga rattlesnake.  These rattlesnakes usually top out at under three feet in length.

Kansas rattlesnakes are dangerous just like any other kinds of rattlesnakes, but the western diamondback rattlesnake is a whole different ball of wax.  This rattlesnake is much larger at around six to seven feet, and it is known for having a particularly nasty venom.  The Kansas rattlesnake antivenin is not effective for the Western Diamondback bite.  That is one of only a handful of problems the Western showing up in Kansas might cause.

Another problem is the fact that they could throw off the ecosystem.  Anytime you introduce a new species of anything into a new area, you are playing with fire.

It is thought this new introduction to Kansas rattlesnakes is due to rattlesnake wranglers releasing them in the wild.  This could be for breeding purposes, or simply to create a new place to have rattlsnake roundups such as you might find in Texas.  Regardless of how, the Western Diamondback is a seriously dangerous snake.

People in Kansas need to add this species of rattlesnake to their list of things to look out for.  The western diamondback is notorious for being stepped on, and they are quick to bite if surprised or disturbed.  The western diamondback snake bite can be deadly, and Kansas rattlesnake enthusiasts would do well to leave them alone.

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