[View the story "Florida's giant snail infestation slithers back into the headlines" on Storify]
Storified by CBC News Community· Mon, Apr 15 2013 13:45:25
Freshfromflorida
It may sound like the plotof a B movie, but Floridians really are battling an infestation of Giant African Land Snails - aninvasive species that can grow up to 20 centimetres in length and live as longas nine years.
The slow moving story, whichslithered its way into the spotlight in 2011, has sparked fresh reaction onlinefollowing alocal update from Reuters reporter Barbara Liston.
Liston reported that roughly 1,000 snails - which are often referredto by their acronym, GALS -are being caught each week in Miami-Dade County.
Since the snails lurched their way back into the headlines, many social media users have been sharing details that may make your skin crawl.
GALS Video Footage September 2011fdacsdpi
YUCK!! Snails the size of rats invading Flordia! "Giant, slimy African snails invade South Florida" yhoo.it/ZWoyWO@@Majell Murphy
Florida's invading giant snails also can cause meningitis & puncture a car tire. Breed faster than rabbits. New state motto: #HereBeMonstersMark Reilly
Giant African land snails have invaded Florida. Up to 8 inches long. Eating thru plastic and stucco. Both sex organs and can lay 1000 eggs!Jeffrey Stoltzfus
Giant, hermaphroditic, 200-egg-laying, plaster-wall-eating snails invade Florida. "No solution" on their advance: bbc.in/ZsNc2tScott Lincicome
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has released public service announcements about the snails using music and fonts normally found in vintage horror movies, like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978).
Giant African Land Snail Theater PSAfdacsdpi
Some other videos released to raise public awareness have been more lighthearted -- like the following spot enlisting area kids as junior detectives.
Giant African Land Snail Junior Detectivesfdacsdpi
The snails, the department explained, "consume at least 500different types of plants, can cause structural damage to plaster and stucco,and can carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis in humans."
Giant African Land Snail, DPI - FDACSFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry safeguards the public and supports Florida's agricultu...
International observers just learning about the infestation were quick to express bemusement and disgust.
Florida is being invaded by giant African land snails. In real lifeLexi
It's real: Attack of the giant African land snails in Florida - CNNnilfred
Just read there are Giant African Land snails now in Fla. I'd worry about this but it will be roughly 2082 by the time they make it to MO.Kid Icthus
Liston's story follows on the heels of an expert symposiumin Gainesville, Fla., which was set up to discuss a long-term plan for gettingrid of the mollusks.
And in March, the state was promised $6 million in federal funding to combatepests in the state, including Giant African Land Snails.
The money will also help fund the "Don't Pack a PestOutreach Program."
Don't Pack a Pest!fdacsdpi
Have you ever experienced an infestation in your area? Or have you heard about one elsewhere that stands out to you? Tell us your stories in the comments below.
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