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BTS reaches military base in Oklahoma
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Posted on Sep 26 2005
A stowaway brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis), native to parts of the Pacific Rim, was captured on Sept. 12 at McAlester Ammunition Plant in southeastern Oklahoma.
The snake was discovered in a shipment of military supplies that left Guam in June. Base personnel captured and euthanized the snake, which was then shipped to the USGS Fort Collins Science Center in Colorado where it was positively identified as a brown tree snake. The approximate three-month journey from Guam to Oklahoma demonstrates the invasive characteristics of this pest, which survived without food or water.
Shortly after World War II, brown tree snakes were accidentally transported to the island of Guam and became established. Over the past 50 years, this snake has wreaked ecological and economic havoc on the island, causing the extinction of most of Guam’s native birds and millions of dollars of damage from power outages. They also enter homes and inflict venomous bites requiring medical attention. Since their establishment on Guam, brown tree snakes have been known to stow away on departing cargo ships and air flights.
The brown tree snake is considered an invasive species, one that could cause enormous damage if new populations become established outside of its native range and Guam. Due to the risk of invasion by brown trees nakes, federal, state, and regional agencies as well as island governments are involved in a substantial cooperative effort to prevent snakes on Guam from being transported to other locations.
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding everyone that the CNMI has no native snake species. Therefore, it is extremely important to report all snake sightings to the DLNR-DFW immediately at the brown tree snake hotline at 670-28-SNAKE or 670-287-6253. (PR)
