This story has to be one of the most awesome examples of global warming fear-mongering to date - If you see one, don't attempt to engage it. Leave the area, note the location and notify the authorities:

As climate change warms the nation, giant Burmese pythons could colonize one-third of the USA, from San Francisco across the Southwest, Texas and the South and up north along the Virginia coast, according to U.S. Geological Survey maps released Wednesday.

The pythons can be 20 feet long and 250 pounds. They are highly adaptable to new environments.

Two federal agencies — the USGS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — are investigating the range of nine invasive snakes in Florida, concerned about the danger they now pose to endangered species. The agencies are collecting data to aid in the control of these populations.

They examined Burmese pythons first and, based on where they live in Asia, estimated where they might live here. One map shows where the pythons could live today, an area that expands when scientists use global warming models for 2100.

"We were surprised by the map. It was bigger than we thought it was going to be," says Gordon Rodda, zoologist and lead project researcher. "They are moving northward, there's no question." (USA Today)

Everybody panic!

Comments (16)

Shere Khan said:

	... And now for something completely different: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMKCLyhBBwI
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Feb 21, 2008 15:57:37
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Ray K said:

	... pshaw, those little snakes will never make it past the killer bees.
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Feb 21, 2008 16:58:06
Votes: +0

OMMAG said:

	... Snakes are good to eat!
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Feb 21, 2008 17:09:30 | url
Votes: -1

Don Morris said:

	... Thanks, Shere, that was my first thought, too! We North Americans are sure tough, what with all the disasters we've lived through the last fifty years, the era of the "Chicken Littles", who predict a catastrophe per week!
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Feb 21, 2008 17:17:05
Votes: +1

ChrstphrR said:

	... They left out the real clincher. It's obvious to even the biology ignorant. 1) Feral pet snakes 2) Snakes in a Plane 3) ???? 4) Panic!
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Feb 21, 2008 18:34:54
Votes: +0

WL Mackenzie Redux said:

	... Pythons to invade the United States
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Feb 21, 2008 19:00:18
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Don Morris said:

	... It's the Gumby's!
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Feb 21, 2008 19:47:43
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Elane said:

	... I thought it was the Python Holders in Mime. yes?
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Feb 21, 2008 20:03:31
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Darcey said:

	... I hear they taste like chicken
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Feb 21, 2008 20:37:03
Votes: -1

MistahTibbs said:

	... In related news, men's penises are shrinking due to the effects of climate change. Apparently when cold air strikes the male member it attempts to retreat into the abdominal cavity of the owner in what witness, George Costanza described, "like a frightened turtle." Film at 11. MT
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Feb 21, 2008 21:11:51
Votes: +0

Shere Khan said:

	... extreme raisin pouch conditions.....
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Feb 21, 2008 21:15:03
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bruce said:

	... "It's only a flesh wound..."
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Feb 22, 2008 01:19:05
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philanthropist said:

	... Pythons? Cool. Can't wait to play with my pet Python in 2100, can I feed him Polar Bears?
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Feb 22, 2008 04:20:05
Votes: +2

LEGION said:

	... My pet burm in bigger than that little thing. He is the most docile pet I have ever had. Apep (my snake) is less dangerous than your average dog, so what if he could eat you.
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Mar 18, 2008 17:31:38
Votes: +1

OMMAG said:

	... Just curious to see why this post is still apparently growing .....
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Jul 18, 2008 01:48:10 | url
Votes: +0

Darcey said:

	... this is the best post I ever wrote for the search engines. 'Pythons' invading the United States has got a couple of people bugged. Almost 13,000 hits and growing. My other cool one is two-headed cat.
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Jul 18, 2008 01:51:26
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