The invasion of pythons has had little to no impact on cotton rats, explaining why some areas are now increasingly dominated by rodents.
Burmese pythons are inadvertently helping rats dominate parts of the Everglades in Florida by wiping out their traditional predators, researchers have found. The rise in rodents could further disrupt an already fragile ecosystem and increase the risk of disease to humans.
They tracked the rats every 48 hours, and recorded the predator involved when any were found dead. In cases where the corpses had likely been swallowed, the team analyzed scat and regurgitated remains for rat DNA. But because pythons have had a devastating effect on the populations of other, larger mammals, such as bobcats and foxes, this has left an ecosystem opening for the rats to take over.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Florida mom accused of leaving kids in car that caught fire while she was allegedly shopliftingPolice arrested Alicia Moore, 24, of Orlando after her kids were discovered in a car that caught fire while she was allegedly shoplifting inside the Oviedo Mall. One child suffered first-degree burns, according to the arrest report.
Read more »
Florida woman's car catches fire with kids inside while she shopliftsThe 24-year-old mom shoplifted for about an hour, then dropped the stolen items when she saw her car engulfed in flames upon exiting the store.
Read more »
Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost performs 'Misery Business' on stage with Paramore | CNNIf politics doesn’t work out, US Rep. Maxwell Frost might just have a backup career as a rock star.
Read more »
Florida Woman’s Car With Kids Inside Catches Fire as She Allegedly ShopliftedTwo kids were rescued, and one child was determined to have suffered from first-degree burns to the face and ears, according to a police report.
Read more »