Die, invasive species. Die!

Green Iguana

During the last few months, I have been reading articles in the paper about the invasion of non-native species in Florida. Among them are the green iguana, the Burmese Python, the walking catfish, and old-world climbing ferns. Adding to the list is a new “super snake,” the African Rock Python, which is “bigger and meaner than the Burmese Python” according to a state official.

Some scientists hypothesize that the pythons originally escaped from pet stores that were torn apart by Hurricane Andrew back in the early 1990s. The severe cold snap in Florida this winter has killed many of the unwanted, non-native species. “Dead iguanas have dropped from trees onto patios across South Florida,” says the Sun Sentinel. About half of the pythons are estimated to be dead from temperatures that dropped into the 30s.

Florida is fighting back with an open season on python hunting. It is open to anyone with a hunting license who pays a $26 fee. The center of the python infestation is thought to be in Everglades National Park, the largest American wilderness east of the Mississippi. All American Gator Products of Hallandale Beach is prepared to process pythons into consumer products, including $900 python pants.

One little gecko ran into our condo as I opened the door on a cold morning; no doubt he was seeking a warmer place. I was prepared to have a “house gecko,” but he scurried under a storage piece, and we never saw him again. After the cold snap, all the native geckos disappeared, but slowly they are coming back. I miss the geckos on the sidewalks. But I don't miss the green iguanas sunning themselves on the fairways, and I hope I NEVER see a python—Burmese or otherwise. Die, invasive species. Die!