LAKELAND IS DOOMED! IT'S THE INVASION OF THE SNAILS!

It's actually rather humourous, but not to those who have to deal with it. The City of Lakeland has done a lot to brighten up Lake Mirror, which is on the edge of downtown. But recently the interior wall of the Promenade along the lake has been dotted with large pink masses.

Turns out, for some unknown reason Lake Mirror has seen the invasion of the channeled apple snail, also known as the South American apple snail. Much larger than your normal snail, often becoming as large as one's fist, they breed quickly. The large pink masses that people have been seeing are masses of eggs...hundreds of them. If left alone, they pose a threat to the lake's natural food supply and could begin grazing on the shoreline.

Actually, the snails began appearing a year or so ago, but their population has blossomed this year. Lake Mirror is of concern because it has the densest population of the snails. And the snails have been popping up throughout central and south Florida as well.

And for those who may be thinking of a little escargot for dinner from these types: Nah! This breed could be harmful if you eat them.