Puerto Rico battles invasion of giant, aggressive pythons

Puerto Rico is struggling with a growing population of reticulated pythons and their attacks on people. Originating from Southeast Asia, these reptiles have spread in recent years to seven municipalities on the Caribbean island, which is frequently visited by tourists from around the world. What are the characteristics of these reptiles?

Local media increasingly report cases of aggressive snakes appearing near human dwellings. These are not typical species for Puerto Rico. Prof. Alberto Puente, a University of Puerto Rico biologist, notes that the island hosts various types of snakes. Still, the reticulated python is "the most dangerous reptile due to its large size and high aggressiveness."

The scientist emphasizes that in most cases, reticulated python attacks on Puerto Rico residents result in injuries, but there are also cases of this animal killing a person.

According to him, the reticulated python, an invasive species in Puerto Rico that disrupts the functioning of the local ecosystem, has spread very quickly in recent years, especially in the area of seven municipalities. The first specimens of this animal were observed on the island in the first decade of the 21st century.

Puente believes that the cause of the invasion of this snake is "the widespread trade in wild animals, which end up in Puerto Rico." The reticulated pythons living on the island can reach lengths of up to 20 feet.

In their native Southeast Asian habitat, these snakes can grow up to 33 feet in length. Their diet includes monitor lizards and various species of birds and mammals—from rats to large domestic pigs.

The reticulated python is not the only non-native animal that has recently become widespread on this Caribbean island. Another species is the lemur, which is brought from Madagascar in Africa. As noted by the Puerto Rican newspaper "El Nuevo Dia," in recent years, there have already been cases of lemur bites on humans in Puerto Rico.