February 21, 2008
I Love Snow and Cold!
I've changed my mind about moving south. The cold weather is just fine by me. Keep it up, Mother Nature!
Why the change of heart? Oh, no particular reason...
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.
I don't care if they are "not considered a danger to humans"...I'm not trying to find 250 pounds of snake in my backyard. (I'm assuming I'll someday have a backyard.)
UPDATE 2/22: Semi-southern Shank responds.
Posted by Jenelle at February 21, 2008 04:16 PM | TrackBackFirstly, the Southwest bit is pretty ridiculous. Burmese pythons are amphibious reptiles that need a constant source of water; and there doesn't seem to be any continuous geography like that in the Southwest.
The Southeast is another story altogether. As a matter of fact, there is already a wild breeding population in the Everglades. I'm sure we all remember the alligator vs. python pictures. That being said, I think if they moved any further north than Charleston, SC or maybe even where I'm at; the cold would drive them off. That and the lack of consistent swampy wetlands.
Which is a bittersweet double-edged sword, because they would really help discourage (as you've pointed out) what we Southerners refer to as 'Yankee transplants'. Sure, come visit, have some grits, maybe a little sweet tea; but for the love of God don't stay.
Posted by: shank at February 21, 2008 06:55 PMNo wonder I never blog, I can barely manage to get the commenting thing right. Friggin' dork.
Posted by: shank at February 22, 2008 09:12 PM