Posted by:
flherp
at Fri Oct 9 11:48:40 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by flherp ]
It is difficult to prove deceit when there is no person that the statement can be attributed to and the statement has no context. The semantic argument that there are no natural predators is, however, true, as Burmese do not naturally occur in the Everglades. They may be an introduced species with a reproducing population, but they are not natural or native.
While it may be true that captive Burmese pythons are generally docile;a wild Burmese is not a captive Burmese python, and many will defend themselves vigorously (striking, defecating, fleeing, etc,)if molested. I think it appropriate to gain control of the head rather than being bitten; although I will usually test their temperament prior to attempting to capture them. As I said before, extrapolating the behavior of captive animals to wild populations is difficult. You are operating from an a priori assumption that all Burmese pythons are docile, which is demonstrably untrue.
As to their ability and desire to move, I would not offer an explanation as to why they moved the distance (over a four-month period) Mike says they did. However, I have little reason to doubt that it did occur. If the animal was transported to the area of capture - the first question I would have to ask is why? It is much easier to release the animal on the edge of undisturbed habitat and much easier to follow it afterward. I would think someone would realize that the animal was returned to the capture site by study personnel and it would not have taken four months. You are basing your opinion on what the animals will or will not do from the limited perspective of keeping the animals in captivity. It is quite possible that their behavior in the wild is substantially different from what you expect based on your experience,perhaps you should entertain the notion that you might be incorrect. It is important to not allow innate biases to determine what you find when you examine information. There is a fairly broad area between being skeptical to the point of nonsense and having such an open mind your brain falls out.
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RE: Well, as a matter of fact... - flherp, Fri Oct 9 11:48:40 2009