Ball Pythons Invade Florida Neighborhood

A  St. Augustine neighborhood is facing an invasion of not-so-wild, but definitely unwelcome, ball pythons. In fact, 22 of them in the last few weeks! Oh, joy! What a time to be alive!

According to First Coast News, Vincent Myers, a fearless neighborhood snake wrangler, has had his hands full. He's become a pro at hunting down these slippery serpents, finding them lurking in some of the most unexpected places. Imagine taking a leisurely stroll at night, post-rain, only to find a snake crossing the road.

And let me tell you, these pythons are not your ordinary garden-variety snakes. They've got albino balls with red eyes, solid white ones. Lots of exotic kinds. They all look scary to me!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission suspects that these pythons are either escapees or abandoned pets. Can you blame them for wanting a taste of freedom, though? I mean, I wouldn't want to be stuck in some box all day long doing the same thing... Oh, Wait. Never mind.

However, if you happen to EVER come across one of these non-native party crashers, don't you dare let it loose! We've got an Invasive Species Hotline for that. Call them. Not me at 1-888-Ive-Got1.

It's also worth mentioning that these snakes deserve some love too... Just not from me. And if you see a python, don't panic and don't try to handle it yourself. Instead, call the experts who can come to the rescue. Let's keep the outside neighborhoods safe, stylish, and serpent-free, cool?

And to all the ball pythons out there, just know that even if you're a bit intimidating, your lives matter too. You're not just cold-blooded creatures... You're cold-blooded creatures with feelings. But if you say me walking down the street. Keep a few feet away. Because my feelings are fear of snakes.

Remember, when it comes to dealing with invasive species, I'm not the one. Let the experts handle it.

Delaware Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 86 Species

It's hard to believe that our little state of Delaware is home to a number of threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Some of the best known of these are the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Mud Salamander, Sperm Whale, Atlantic Sturgeon, Bethany Beach Firefly and the Delmarva Fox Squirrel.

The Delmarva Fox Squirrel used to be common in the state.  These squirrels were nationally listed as an endangered species, but removed in 2015.  However, they do remain on Delaware's list.  According to DNREC, the squirrel has been reintroduced into the first state in surrounding Delmarva arras in an effort to have them removed from Delaware's list of most endangered.  The most recent release was last year, in 2022.

The First State now lists 86 species as endangered or threatened.   The law provides regulations for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found. Title 7 of the Annotated Code of Delaware prohibits the importation, transportation, possession, or sale of any part of an endangered species of fish or wildlife.

Here are some of the most endangered species here in the first state.  See the full list of all of Delaware's endangered species here.