M,+Jeff

**The Brown Tree Snake (Boiga Irregularis) is generally 4-5 feet long. They can grow potentially up to 8 feet, and weigh up to 5 pounds. These snakes are infamous for being invasive species and are responsible for the destruction of the native bird population in Guam. The Brown Tree Snake preys mostly upon birds, lizards, bats, and small rodents. In Guam, there is a high availability of prey and a lack of predators.
 * The Brown Tree Snake

The reproductive characteristics of the Brown Tree Snake are not entirely known. The female is believed to produce 4-12 oblong eggs with a leathery shell. Females sometimes produce up to two clutches every year depending upon the climate variations. In the reproduction process, females deposit the eggs in hollow logs, rock crevices, and other sites where they are likely protected from drying and high temperatures.

The snake is nocturnal, and are believed to be very dangerous if confronted. It is rear-fanged, with two small grooved fangs at the rear of the mouth. The fangs are grooved rather than hollow, and their venom is difficult to convey into a bite on a human, which means it is only given in small doses. The snakes venom is neurotoxic, which is a natural toxin. These toxins do not seem to harm adults, and have only seen an effect on young children. The venom is mostly used to kill lizards, which are more easily positioned in the rear of the mouth for venom delivery.

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Just after WW!!, the Brown Tree Snake was accidently transported from its native range in the South Pacific to Guam, probably stowed away in luggage. The Brown Tree Snake population sky-rocketed. The snakes have been linked to extinctions of birds, and even the cause of massive power outings. Guam is a major transportation area, which provides many opportunities for them to stowaway in cars, luggage, and other hiding places. There have been numerous sightings of the snake all over the United States, which proves that they are in fact spreading.