Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

"Big Snails Mean Bigger Problems for Florida"

"Invasive giant African land snails have now popped up in three counties across the state, it's bad news for plants and people."

"The boys are back in town. Except, technically, they’re not “boys,” but hermaphroditic land snails. Also, the “town” in question is three separate counties in central and southern Florida. Let’s try this again: Giant African land snails, a potentially devastating invasive species, have re-appeared in three Florida counties.

In Broward County, just north of Miami, one of the gargantuan gastropods was found earlier this month. To try to halt the spread of the mollusks, state officials announced a ~5 square mile quarantine zone in Broward on Monday. Under the quarantine, transporting snails, soil, plants, compost, or building material is now outlawed—except with specific approval from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)."

Lauren Leffer reports for Earther June 23, 2023.

Source: Earther, 06/26/2023