Reptile & Amphibian Forums

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1875&from=rss_home

FYI!
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1875&from=rss_home

I don't like to get personal but I'm gonna come right out & say it, "They're nuttier than a fuitcake!" A prime of example of what happens when scientists confuse theory with reality. (Nothing against scientists, in general)

First & foremost is their forecast of increased inhabitable area in the year 2100 from global warming. Don't get me started on that one.

Secondly, I live in the tri-state area of NC/TN & GA and I know very well what winter temps are like in the northern half of GA, AL & MS. Boidae can not survive even the mildest winter on record within those regions, let alone a typical winter.

Is it possible that Boidae could adapt by 2100? Not very likely as it would take generations to do so & I can't see the first generation surviving the winters. Seems that someone isn't considering any health issues associated with such low temperatures.

Why isn't North FL covered with them? Don't tell me that everyone drives all the way down to the Everglades to release their burms.

Good grief! Will it never end?
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

Yep...global warming...it's the answer to everything. I'm with you, Mike, we could have a GW rant for ages, LOL!

You know, somehow I don't think Burms could survive in N FL, let alone NC. I'm still new to Burms, but I kow that boas suffer the nighttime lows in the winter.

And another thing...I'm so sick of hearing about released Burms. I'd like to hear more about how many wild Burms are a result of the damage from Hurricane Andrew. How many homes were flattened and how many snakes were able to slither away? Not to mention damage in the zoo itself? Like you said, does everyone drive down to the Everglades to release their snakes? Or better yet, are all the irresponsible pet owners only in S FL? If they are releasing snakes all over the place, do you mean they aren't surviving? Then why spend the $$ on this map project and start more legislation?

Ha! Ha!

Hi Laura!
Good timing, I was just making my way thru the forums and just about to enter the Burmese Python forum when your reply came in my mailbox.

> > > "Yep...global warming...it's the answer to everything."

Ahh, c'mon now, you know that global warming takes place every 500 years. Heeheehee!!!

> > > "And another thing...I'm so sick of hearing about released Burms."

You & me, both!!! I want to see just one person caught releasing one. Just one. Where's the beef? Where's the evidence? I'm sure it happens but like you said, there are other factors, too.

If you haven't yet, be sure to check out these threads in the Herp Laws & CITES Forum.

forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1479861,1479861

forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1478834,1478834

Take care!
Mike
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

"A prime of example of what happens when scientists confuse theory with reality."

I'm a very scientifically-minded person, so I feel compelled to clear this up:

In science, "a theory is a logically self-consistent model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena."--from Wikipedia.

The thing about Burmese pythons taking over the southern US is scientifically hypothetical, not theoretical.

Hi maestrOwen.
I don't have anything personal against scientists or science, I can dive right in alongside of 'em and enjoy it a lot of the times.

> > > I'm a very scientifically-minded person, so I feel compelled to clear this up:

In science, "a theory is a logically self-consistent model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena."--from Wikipedia.

No offense but isn't there a better source than Wikipedia?

I believe you meant well in making your post, thinking that you were clearing up a misconception, but that's not the case. What I said was "A prime of example of what happens when scientists confuse theory with reality."

Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language (1996 Edition) Page 1967 - theory - 2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

Or, we can use an abridged version, which states: theory - an offered opinion which may possibly, but not positively, be true.

Now, Wiki said that "theory" was a model. And the USGS report said they used a model. A model is not the real deal. Therefore, I stand by what I said, "A prime of example of what happens when scientists confuse theory (a model) with reality (the real deal, facts)."

> > > The thing about Burmese pythons taking over the southern US is scientifically hypothetical, not theoretical.

Ha! Ha! OK, you say it's "scientifically hypothetical" but I say it's hilariously pathetical.

Relax, I'm not attacking you. I've got no beef with ya. I just wanted to show you what I meant.

Have a good one!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

heh, i find it funny how arizona and west texas are on the map of suitable habitat, arizona gets so friggin dry, plus lack of water, id like to see a burm shed with 10% humidity and no water...also, west texas gets cold enough to snow just about every winter, specialy the northern part, call me crazy but i dont think burms like to build snowman and make snow angels as much as i do.