I think we should be ok in Arizona for awhile, but I think as a country, it might be time to cut Florida loose, build a giant wall keeping the snakes in, and save the other 49 states while we still can:

Burmese pythons are eating machines. An adult snake can grow to nearly 20 ft., and it can eat everything raccoons to bobcats to deer to alligators, killing its prey by constriction and then swallowing them whole. On the jungle food chain, Burmese pythons rest near the top....

Now a new study published in this week’s Proceedings for the National Academy of Sciences suggests just how big a threat the invasive Burmese pythons have become. Researchers led by Michael Dorcas of Davidson College in North Carolina looked at the distribution of mammals in the Everglades nearly 20 years ago—before Burmese pythons established themselves in the area—and then more recently. They found a drastic reduction in the number of small mammals that are typically part of a python’s diet, and they also discovered that the remaining mammals tend to be most abundant in areas that are either clear of pythons or where the snakes have only recently been spotted. The evidence is strong enough to suggest that invasive Burmese pythons are causing significant wildlife loss in the Everglades—and that the problem could worsen as the snakes continues to grow.

Super-special pug Wendi is ready to share tons of love and devotion to a lucky someone; it might be you.
Why is Wendi so special? 100% blind, with only one eye, Wendi maneuvers the world by touch, memory and scent. The only two rules about living with a blind dog are: be very verbal and don't move the furniture! Other than that, living with Wendi is like living with any other 8-year-old mellow pug, loving treats and belly rubs and offering lots of kisses. She wants to relax at your side and devote herself completely to you. Wendi has degenerative disc disease and thus doesn't require or desire much exercise. Very short walks and sunning in the yard with you are her thing. So if you are basically a couch potato who loves to give belly rubs and get puggy kisses, this girl is for you. Wonderful Wendi gets along well with other dogs and cats, but would do best in a somewhat quiet household. She is fixed and current on shots and heartworm protection. Please inquire about Wendi and so many other fabulous pugs at www.arizonapugrescue.com today!

For more information about Wendi, call 777-4668. Arizona Pug Rescue can be reached online at http://www.arizonapugrescue.com/, by email at [email protected] or you can leave a voicemail at (480) 964-3126.

I don't understand how this puppy defies gravity while eating, but I have had a few meals in my life that made me feel that way too, so I understand.

[Daily What]

• Illustration Ryn Gargulinski
• One rendition of a Chupacabra

The coyote-like critter has enjoyed sightings throughout the 1980s in South America, spent a bulk of the 1990s in Mexico and has been currently roaming through parts of the Southwestern United States.

Carcasses thought to be Chupacabras have actually been DNA tested after they were brought to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The results only proved the dead things were “some type of coyote,” although their snout and back legs exceeded the length of those found on a coyote. They also reportedly had large fangs jutting up from their bottom jaws.

The fangs surely helped give them their name, which translates from the Spanish as “goat sucker.” In addition to sucking goat blood, they are also known to attack small livestock like chicken and ducks and larger animals like cattle and horses but have never gone for a human.

UPDATE: Lola has been adopted, but there are plenty of great animals still available at the Humane Society.

Lola • #710926 2 Year Old • Shar Pei Mix • Female

Are you an experienced dog person with an active lifestyle who is up for a project of love? If so, then Lola would love to meet you! This smart, affectionate and eager to please pup needs a positive outlet for her boundless energy. Compact and highly-motivated, Lola would make an extraordinary agility dog. Although she’s energetic, Lola has great manners. She’s house trained, crate trained, good with other dogs and great with children. Just no cats, please. Sadly, Lola has been through a number of homes in her first year. Despite all of the false starts and dead ends life has thrown her way, Lola never stops smiling and wagging her tail. Won’t you give her the life of adventure she craves? Meet her today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona!

Come meet Lola! She's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

Meet Fritz, a Tucson Dachshund that won the local qualifying race for Wienerschnitzel's 2011 Annual Wiener National Finals back in March. Right now (!!!) in San Diego, Fritz is running his tiny little dog heart out to try to win the quite prestigious title, $1,000 and the opportunity to ride on Wienerschnitzel's float in the Big Bay Balloon Parade. There are other dogs in the race from towns in California, Texas and New Mexico, but as Arizona's only representative, this is surely an opportunity for our state to repair its damaged national reputation with a victory in this hotly-contested race.

Good luck, Fritz. Arizona is counting on you.

• Jim Nintzel

Wilco (The Dog) celebrates a white Christmas in Flagstaff, 2010. Happy Holidays to All!

• Monet could use a home.

Adore-a-bull Monet is anxious to fill that soft spot in your heart. The perfect combination of spunky and smart, Monet will eagerly show off her sit, down, shake and fetch in exchange for a hug or a treat. Surrendered to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona after getting into a scuffle with the other dog in her household, Monet now needs a pet-free family or one with a permissive dog who is willing to give her the princess throne. Great with kids who can handle her enthusiasm, Monet grew up around youngsters and still has plenty of kisses to dish out and joy to share. House trained, crate trained and never caught climbing on the furniture, Monet is a polite people-pleaser with high hopes of finding that perfect family. Won’t you help this sweet pup down on her luck? Please inquire about her today at the HSSA.

Come meet Monet! She's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

• That worm seems to like the cover art this week.

I'm pretty sure they like the personal ads the most, but a few seem to have migrated straight to the top to check out this week's Get Out of Town cover piece. I found a surprising writhing mass of worms lurking around in Danehy's column as well. I'm not sure what to make of that.

Meet Bat Cat, masked defender of tuna flakes and snuggle time.

Bat Cat can’t get enough of your love. This dignified and confident gentleman is always happy to follow you around the house just to enjoy your company. The perfect sidekick, Bat Cat craves attention from his human friends and doesn't seem to mind other pets. Sadly, this terrific boy lost his loving home due to a human medical issue. Now he needs a cat-savvy person and a lifetime supply of hugs to make his heart whole again. As a Hidden Gem at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Bat Cat spends his time in staff offices but would love to meet you upon request. Please allow him to melt your heart today!

Bat Cat is currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Their phone number is 327-6088.