Re: Alaska: Aliens Invade by Hiding in Christmas Trees

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/alien-frogs-christmas-trees-imported-alaska.php

Alien Frogs Found In Alaska's Imported Christmas Trees

Residents in the Anchorage area may be receiving some unwanted Christmas gifts this year in the form of non-native Pacific chorus frogs hitchhiking in Christmas trees imported from Washington state. Though the little critters are not dangerous on their own, state wildlife officials are urging locals to examine their trees and to kill any suspicious-looking amphibians immediately.

"These 'live ornaments' may seem like a bonus purchase, but they are outside their native range," said Tammy Davis, Invasive Species Program project leader for the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game. "While we don't suspect they will become invasive, a greater concern is the risk to our native amphibians if they are carrying pathogens of concern."

Killer frog fungus
In particular, officials are worried that the frogs could be carrying Chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by chytrid fungus and which has already instigated a steep decline in amphibious populations worldwide. "That is exactly why we're asking people to bring them to us, so that they can be sampled for the fungus," Davis said.

Between three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches large, Pacific chorus frogs have a dark mask and rounded nose, and call out in a distinctive "kreck-ek" sounding chorus.....

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The cure for a fallacious argument is a better argument, not the suppression of ideas.
-- Carl Sagan

That sure could liven up the decorating.