Unpopular neighbors

The African rock python, Africa’s largest snake, has moved to the United States, according to National Geographic.

Six rock pythons—ornery, 20-foot long reptiles—have been found in a single square-mile of suburban land west of Miami since 2002. A pregnant female and two hatchlings have also been found, causing residents and scientists to worry that the pythons are colonizing the region.

Even more troubling is the fact that the pythons need to cross only one road to enter the Everglades National Park, which would pose a threat to wildlife and even humans.

The African pythons are even more dangerous than the Burmese pythons that invaded the state earlier this year, and are known to eat alligators. The Burmese pythons have already eaten hundreds of native animals in the Everglades.

The boa constrictor has also been found in Florida. With the addition of the rock python, Florida is now home to three large alien constrictors. Animal experts believe the snakes may have been released by pet breeders who underestimated their ferocity.