Southern Florida Environment in Danger

In a rare twist, drugs are not the only menacing illegal substance on the streets of south Florida. There are giant python snakes making their way out of the Everglades, into Miami neighborhoods, and towns as far reaching as Hollywood Florida. Some are even cross-channeling through the ocean. Sharks are not the only major concern in tropical waters in the python areas, now that there is, in excess, over one hundred thousand snakes on the loose in the Everglades.

This is due to varying factors, but mainly, the illegal smuggling of exotic species of animals being brought into Florida by plane; commercial and otherwise, and sold as pets. There are amphibians, insects, even rare types of plants not know to Florida smuggled in from overseas, and they are taking root and thriving in the tropical habitat of Florida; especially in the south.

The exotic animals are depleting Florida's own native animals, and it is like something out of a science-fiction horror movie; giant pythons eating gators and other fish, even deer and birdlife. Many of these snakes were kept as pets, and once they got too big, they were released into the glades. With the abundance of wildlife, they grew, multiplied and the result is a tragic crisis of illegal exotic animal pets set loose to pillage the environment.

The plants are hurting the environment in scientific ways, emitting microbes or organisms not good or recognized, so there are many varying factors present for continued environmental chaos by the infiltration of foreign species. It will get worse as time goes along, and may ultimately wind up damaging the Florida environment possibly on the same scale as pollution and industrialization. This infiltration of exotics is also costing the state billions of dollars in damages, and may not be good for humans as well, due to foreign allergens and substances emitted through air and water. The state is making strides and tighter security since 9/11 is helping the influx of illegal exotics. Time will tell if there is any permanent environmental damage. Florida is a hearty state, and re-growth of native plants and animal re-populating can combat and possibly, ultimately reverse the damage.

Source:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission