Recently park scientists went on a mission to retrieve a large python that had been tagged with a GPS tag and a device that indicates when a python wraps around its prey called an accelerometer. The GPS tag is inexpensive. The accelerometer costs about $2500. Not a trivial expense.
The virtual extinction of a whole class of small mammals in the Everglades -- raccoons and possums, for example -- confirms for scientists the rapid spread of invasive Burmese pythons in the River of Grass. Scientists want to know how to interrupt the progress of the pythons; hence the tracking.
Using electronic surveillance equipment, park scientists traced to a small pond in the Everglades, but there was no python. Only a twelve foot alligator. When they returned to the office, empty-handed, the owner of the accelerometer -- the USGS -- demanded the retrieval of the expensive device.
The scientists captured the alligator, and put it in a holding pen to wait until it excreted the electronic equipment.
After a month in captivity and exhaustive exploration how to make the alligator expel the accelerometer, the staff surrendered and returned the alligator to the wild. At least it is not a Rolex.
The virtual extinction of a whole class of small mammals in the Everglades -- raccoons and possums, for example -- confirms for scientists the rapid spread of invasive Burmese pythons in the River of Grass. Scientists want to know how to interrupt the progress of the pythons; hence the tracking.
Using electronic surveillance equipment, park scientists traced to a small pond in the Everglades, but there was no python. Only a twelve foot alligator. When they returned to the office, empty-handed, the owner of the accelerometer -- the USGS -- demanded the retrieval of the expensive device.
The scientists captured the alligator, and put it in a holding pen to wait until it excreted the electronic equipment.
After a month in captivity and exhaustive exploration how to make the alligator expel the accelerometer, the staff surrendered and returned the alligator to the wild. At least it is not a Rolex.
1 comment:
So the obvious answer to the python problem is larger alligators.
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