New South Fla. threat: invasive rock pythons


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MIAMI (AP) - State biologists are concerned that the aggressive rock python might be the latest invasive species to become established in the Everglades and elsewhere in South Florida.

Rock pythons can grow to about 16 feet and are the largest snakes in Africa. Biologists say they are among the world's most aggressive snakes and will eat almost anything they can swallow.

Wildlife officials say they want to prevent these pythons from joining their Burmese cousins as an established, breeding species with no natural predators in Florida.

A survey conducted Friday as part of a state effort to eradicate the snakes from South Florida turned up no snakes, but officials say many could still be there.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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