That's a valid question and one I was just appearing on CBS news to discuss this issue. Although there is the chance of periodic encounters with native venomous snakes and alligators (who may be a bit more agitated than normal due to this displacement), I don't think too many exotic species would have survived this disaster; if caged properly, they most likely drowned, or, are still contained. With the few that did get out, right now, they are in survival mode and probably just barely hanging on. Many witnesses have even seen dead alligators so if they are having a tough time you can only imagine reptiles with far less protection are doing. I'm sure we'll see more on TV and the news; only time will tell.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL
>>A coworker asked me a question that I am also curious about- With all of the displacement caused by the hurricane, what is the likelihood of someone coming across a hot (really could go with constrictors too) that got loose? I know we have discussed before making sure that your cage can withstand natural events (mild earthquakes etc), but on this scale it seems to me that it would be more likely to run across a prior pet snake.
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>>Bryan, Atlanta GA
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>>1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
>>0-1-0 Mountain Horned Dragon - Ki
>>0-0-1 Aggressive Bearded Dragon - Zeus
>>1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
>>0-1-0 Little Angelic Kitten - Isis
>>1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
>>0-1-0 Wife
>>2-0-0 Kids
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL
