Restricting Exotic Snakes

The U.S. Interior Department is considering regulations to restrict 9 non-native species of snakes. These large exotic snakes have infiltrated South Florida and pose a risk to some 150 endangered species. Scientists have discovered Burmese pythons, boa constrictors, and Northern African pythons are already breeding in the wild. Unlike in their native habitat, the snakes do not have any predators in South Florida. They’re also difficult to find because of their unique camouflage.

The regulations aim at minimizing the number of snakes on the market to discourage pet owners from releasing them in the wild. Officials hope that by driving up market prices, pet owners will be less likely to release them once they become a burden.

NASA Says 2000 to 2009 Warmest on Record

NASA announced that last decade was the warmest on record. From the period of January 2000 to December 2009, NASA scientists saw an average temperature increase of 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit. Since 1880, average global temperatures have gone up by about 1.5 degrees.