Scientists are concerned about the invasion of pythons in the Florida Everglades. Pythons are from Asia and are not native to the Everglades. They eat eggs and birds, many of which are endangered. The snakes were introduced to the Everglades when people released into the wild pet snakes that had grown too large. Very few animals in the Everglades prey on the snakes. How will scientists be most effective at controlling this invasive species?
Answer
A
by showing how pythons can be safely collected and removed from the Everglades
B
by releasing predators from Asia to control the snake population
C
by telling people to stop releasing snakes and waiting until the other snakes die out
D
by removing the species of birds that the snakes eat so the snakes do not have any more food
Explanation
The pythons were introduced because people released pet snakes into the wild, and few Everglades animals prey on them. Showing people how to safely collect and remove pythons directly reduces the invasive population without introducing another species or harming endangered birds. Choice C could help prevent new releases, but simply waiting would leave the existing snakes in the Everglades.
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