Скачать или смотреть Killer Cat-Sized Rats Invade Florida

The African rodent known as the Giant Gambian pouch rats, have hit Florida's grassy keys, despite efforts to eradicate them. The rodent which is among one of the largest in the world can weigh up to nine pounds and are a massive threat to crops and other animals, including Burmese pythons, boa constrictors, lizards, and vervet monkeys.

Aside from the startling fact that these rats look as big as a cat, there are growing concerns that the rats could reach Florida's mainland and spread. The female rats were first spotted in 2011 and various traps were set to kill them through poison, yet the operation failed.

Gambian rats are not only a threat to the local ecosystem, but they pose a threat to children. According to reports, last year the rats killed two infants in southern Africa. Africa is where the rats are from, and they normally belong to a colony of 20 and live within thick forests.

The rats have large ears and a tail covered by fine hairs, the feet are almost white and most of the tail is dark grey, with the final third being off-white.