Anyone ever been to Guam?

[GoatLocker]

Originally Posted by TanithT

Summary: those tree snakes = not much for humans to worry about, except that they have moved in and wrecked the indigenous wildlife. They're an ecological concern, not a human safety concern.

They are pretty harmless, but the Guam Power Authority would be lost without them, as they blame them for virtually every power outage on the island. They do get pretty big, like 7-8 feet.

[colimo]

Sounds like fun james....take care...and enjoy if you go...

[TanithT]

Originally Posted by GoatLocker

They are pretty harmless, but the Guam Power Authority would be lost without them, as they blame them for virtually every power outage on the island. They do get pretty big, like 7-8 feet.

They're correct in blaming them for the power outages. These slithery fellows are causing massive problems in that respect as well as to the local wildlife. They can be somewhat naughty and snappish, but are not dangerous to humans. Unless they blow your power lines while you are on life support, in which case you're screwed.

In their natural habitat these guys generally max out at 5-6 feet, but they're getting bigger on Guam due to the easy pickings and optimal temperatures. It's a shame they're federally banned; I would not at all mind adding some of the Guam giant Boiga to my collection. They are a bit drab and their venom is nothing to write home about, but at a size like that they might be fun to play with. Sneak me back two or three of those 8-footers in your pocket, would ya?

This is how much fun they are to play with.

[mojo65]

Originally Posted by TanithT

They're correct in blaming them for the power outages. These slithery fellows are causing massive problems in that respect as well as to the local wildlife. They can be somewhat naughty and snappish, but are not dangerous to humans. Unless they blow your power lines while you are on life support, in which case you're screwed.

In their natural habitat these guys generally max out at 5-6 feet, but they're getting bigger on Guam due to the easy pickings and optimal temperatures. It's a shame they're federally banned; I would not at all mind adding some of the Guam giant Boiga to my collection. They are a bit drab and their venom is nothing to write home about, but at a size like that they might be fun to play with. Sneak me back two or three of those 8-footers in your pocket, would ya?

This is how much fun they are to play with.

TanithT Ive come to the expert opinion your not right in the head.....

[TanithT]

Originally Posted by mojo65

TanithT Ive come to the expert opinion your not right in the head.....

And you haven't even seen what I do with cobras.

[mojo65]

Originally Posted by TanithT

And you haven't even seen what I do with cobras.

[TanithT]

OK. But don't click here if you're snake-phobic.

Yes, this is my job. Somebody's got to do it.

Originally Posted by TanithT

OK. But don't click here if you're snake-phobic.

Yes, this is my job. Somebody's got to do it.

I'm not snake phobic. AWESOME stuff Tanith!!!! I few years ago, I got a backstage tour at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, SD. Terry took out several things for my ex-wife and I to see. I got to actually touch a Gabon viper, and hold both a beaded and a Gila. Also, probably the most beautiful snake I've ever seen was the Eyelash viper he took out. AWESOME!

And then to stay on topic...never been to Guam, but because of the snakes (as Tanith mentioned) that are an invasive species, you will not hear birds. One reason they are growing bigger than their cousins in the true natural habitat is that there are no natural predators in Guam for them (aside from us). A good friend of my wife was born there, but that's all I know about it.

[rack04]

Originally Posted by TanithT

OK. But don't click here if you're snake-phobic.

Yes, this is my job. Somebody's got to do it.

He's also very muscular and athletic, and can suddenly extend himself about five feet past the lip of his exhibit cage when it's open. Which is about where I'm standing when I do the opening, so dodging him becomes an amusing pastime.

Your idea of amusing is greatly different than mine.