Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Jilly_in_VA

(10,907 posts)
Mon Feb 13, 2023, 10:13 AM Feb 2023

As pythons try to hide, they face a new enemy: Possums with GPS collars

Wildlife researchers studying mammals in Key Largo have discovered a potentially groundbreaking — if not heartbreaking — way to locate and kill invasive Burmese pythons, especially the big ones.

A team observing racoon and possum behavior along urban and wilderness fringe of Crocodile National Wildlife Refuge fitted dozens of the mammals with GPS collars, and tracked their locations for months.

In September, about five months into the study, one of the possum collars sent out a mortality signal, triggered by lack of movement — maybe it was hit by a car, maybe a local dog killed it. But then, a few hours later, the collar started moving again.

The researchers had a hunch that the possum suffered a brutal fate.

“That’s the signature signal that they got eaten by a snake,” said Michael Cove, curator of mammals at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, one of the partners on the study. He and his research partners from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Southern Illinois University suspected the snake sat around and digested the possum, and then started moving again.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/pythons-try-hide-face-enemy-120000445.html

Bless you, little possum!

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
As pythons try to hide, they face a new enemy: Possums with GPS collars (Original Post) Jilly_in_VA Feb 2023 OP
If I ever get tasked, as an omnipotent deity, to design a universe EYESORE 9001 Feb 2023 #1
I would like to live there. 3catwoman3 Feb 2023 #3
I kinda figured there wouldn't be cruelty in my realm EYESORE 9001 Feb 2023 #4
Interesting concept. Snake eats possum, snake located and euthanised, retreive collar, repeat. mitch96 Feb 2023 #2
They say money doesn't solve everything but this is Phoenix61 Feb 2023 #5
Pythons and feral hogs Jilly_in_VA Feb 2023 #6

EYESORE 9001

(27,523 posts)
1. If I ever get tasked, as an omnipotent deity, to design a universe
Mon Feb 13, 2023, 10:18 AM
Feb 2023

I’ll design one where sentient beings don’t require nutrition from devouring other sentient beings. It’ll be a more peaceful world, I guarantee.

3catwoman3

(25,457 posts)
3. I would like to live there.
Mon Feb 13, 2023, 12:07 PM
Feb 2023

While you’re at it, can you include an attribute that ensures that no one is cruel to either animals or people, please?

EYESORE 9001

(27,523 posts)
4. I kinda figured there wouldn't be cruelty in my realm
Mon Feb 13, 2023, 12:18 PM
Feb 2023

My theology would probably resemble Buddhism more closely than anything going on now. I got a clean slate, yunno. Even at that, I’m gonna need a few good scribes to jot down my philosophications, so if you know anybody looking for work…oh, wait…work? Gone. Outta heah!

mitch96

(14,669 posts)
2. Interesting concept. Snake eats possum, snake located and euthanised, retreive collar, repeat.
Mon Feb 13, 2023, 11:03 AM
Feb 2023

The pythons in the everglades have laid waste to the small animals in the park.. This is a good start to return the balance.. Hopefully no one else will "release" their pet pythons into the park...They are not a native species...
m

Phoenix61

(17,653 posts)
5. They say money doesn't solve everything but this is
Mon Feb 13, 2023, 12:29 PM
Feb 2023

something money could solve. They need to hold a year long rodeo with monthly cash prizes. A ten day rodeo is a joke if they are serious about getting rid of those snakes.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Florida»As pythons try to hide, t...