Florida is known for its insane wildlife, some of which isn't even from here. Pythons, lionfish, and even armadillos all are not from here but now seem to be taking over the state. Well now we've got a new one. South Florida is now battling with giant rat sized snails. Giant African Land Snails can reach almost nine inches long and six inches wide. They have a healthy diet that includes stucco and car tires. Oh and if the giant alien looking snails enjoys eat your house and car weren't enough to freak you out the snails also carry a parasitic nematode called the rat lungworm that can lead to meningitis So yes now with watching out for living dinosaurs that hang out in our lakes, deadly fish that now fill out beaches, and deadly snakes that can be longer than a bus now make sure to watch out for giant snails that can cause potentially deadly bacterial infection.
Like many of the invasive species that now thrive in Florida the Giant African Snails began as a popular pet that people let loose and the climate here is just perfect for their survival. So if you're broke and headed to a birthday party make sure to keep an eye out for the perfect pet because it just maybe munching on a passing car tire.
Over 114,000 snails have been caught in the state thus far. Luckily the snails have been kept to a small area in the southern section of the state. 16 quarantine zones have been set up across South Florida. The snails are able to thrive in the Central Florida climate so it is imperative that any possible sight is reported before the snails have a chance to experience a population boom in this area.
