Could 'Super-Snakes' Be Breeding in Florida Swamps?

A genetic study has found a new and dangerous possibility lurking in the DNA of Florida's invasive pythons. Researchers from the US Geological Survey tested hundreds of the Everglades' already prolific giant snake species and what they found could mean an even hardier invader down the line.

Scientists have discovered that at least 13 of 400 snakes tested showed signs of hybridization with a relative known as the Indian rock python.

This tells researchers that floating somewhere in the gene pool of Florida's thousands of pythons, could be a mix of genes that could lead to a "super snake" with the ability to adapt even better to subtropical conditions in a Florida ecosystem.



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