Jonathan Kieran

It’s no secret that a host of potentially dangerous species endemic to the deeper regions of South America (and obviously the Amazon River) have been steadily making their way northward into central American territories and beyond for a number of decades. From venomous arthropods like the Brazilian Wandering Spider (phoneutria sp.) to numerous crocodile species, we are seeing invasive encroachment on a number of levels. This may in all likelihood be due to the effects of a combination of global climate change and overzealous ecological preservation efforts, but it’s happening. Costa Rica seems to be an indicative milestone for many of these northbound baddies, but make no mistake: they’ll soon find places like Florida and the steamy, swampy climes of Louisiana hospitable, as well … if they haven’t already.

THIS STORY about a young soccer player (and father) losing his life in the death-grip of a Costa Rican freshwater crocodile only underscores the ongoing tide of tragedy as it surges into new regions—regions once renowned for their tropical safety. Conservation is crucial at all levels, but it becomes madness when dangerous species are allowed to proliferate in unnatural numbers. Conserve wisely and cull even more wisely, when necessary. I mean, take a look a how many grannies and kids have been gobbled by American Alligators in high-fallutin’ communities this year alone. Rich meat, poor meat—they don’t discriminate.

RIP to the young Costa Rican man.

(And doubt me not—if it weren’t for the Aswan dam, I’d not be stunned to see Sobek-sized Nile crocs return to the waters of Egypt proper. Brace yourselves, felaheen … it could still happen. Life finds a way.)

[Look for Jonathan Kieran’s fabulous new—as yet untitled—book of hundreds of witty, cynical, zeitgeist-rocking, and knee-slappingly clever cartoons of Pure Smartassery in 2024! Stay tuned for developing news and previews.]

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