The African Stripped Snail

July 20, 2023

The African Stripped snail is an invasive animal. The snails are as big as a man’s fist and can weigh up to 2 pounds.

These snails have returned to Florida and are capable of eating 500+ different plants, including many cash crops. They also eat stucco on houses, painted surfaces, and concrete. Due to their need for calcium, they will also eat bones, and oyster shells.

The striped snails carry very serious diseases to humans, including the meningitis germ. If accidentally eaten, even just a small amount it can be fatal.

The snail’s shells are so tough and sharp that hitting one while driving can puncture a tire.

Florida has eradicated these snails twice in the last 40 years. Now the state must take swift action again. Florida is also fighting a problem with the Burmese python, another invasive animal.

The US. has 10,000+ invasive species like the gypsy moth, feral pigs, cane toads, kudzu, nutria, carps, and many destructive and poisonous plants. This is a matter for the US. government. Maybe Kamala can be assigned as “Invasive Species Czar?”