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Giant African Snails

Florida once again has a giant African land snail problem

Giant African land snails — seen here in 2019 — have been spotted recently in three counties in Florida, spurring state officials to enact quarantines and eradication efforts against the invasive pests. Ismael Francisco/AP hide caption

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Ismael Francisco/AP

National

Florida once again has a giant African land snail problem

The state is moving quickly to destroy the snails before the snails destroy Florida's crops. The snails contain both male and female reproductive organs and lay up to 500 eggs at a time.

Giant African snails, a voracious invader, are intercepted at Detroit's airport

Giant African snails can eat through over 500 different types of plants and produce. When those are not available, they'll consume flowers, tree bark and even the paint and stucco off of houses. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

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Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Animals

Giant African snails, a voracious invader, are intercepted at Detroit's airport

Considered one of the most damaging snails in the world, the U.S. has worked spent over a $1 million over decades to eradicate them.

Miami Battling Invasion Of Giant African Snails

The invaders: Two Giant African Snails, in the hands of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services staffers on Thursday (Sept. 15, 2011). Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

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Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Miami Battling Invasion Of Giant African Snails

They are one of the most damaging land snails in the world, and could devastate agricultural areas. So far, about 1,000 have been found in just one square mile. It cost $1 million to remove a previous invasion.

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