Andrew (I assume this is Andrew, anyway),



The deaths of three of the 9 captive pythons can be directly attributed to the cold temperatures. The deaths of two others can be inferred to have been caused by the inability to properly thermoregulate and "kick" the resulting infection. Two others were sick, and deemed in need of euthanasia by a veterinarian. The deaths of these last four animals can only be attributed to the cold by inference - there's no two ways about it. The two that died of respiratory infection are only of limited value since they were denied natural ability to move freely. The two that were euthanized honestly may or may not have lived. We will never know. On top of this, 9 pythons is hardly a statistically significant number in relation to the population as a whole.



However, I think you're mistaking my point here. Do I think the USGS Report was flawed? Hell yes! Do I think the pythons have the ability to spread beyond South Florida? No way! But... We need to keep our heads up, be truthful (even when others may not be), and not make rash inferences. Being foolish will NOT help our cause. I beg you, BEG YOU! to be the best we can be. Finger pointing, name calling, and making things up is the worst we can do. Thoughts?



-Cole

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