Jumbo-Sized Escargot

Illegal aliens come in all shapes and sizes, and some are less welcome than others.

Like the giant African land snail (pictured, right) that's taking South Florida by storm.

Nothing sluggy about this mollusk's behavior. They not only can munch through plaster and stucco, but they "lay about 1,200 eggs a year, and can carry a strain of non-fatal meningitis. Prolific breeders, they contain both female and male reproductive organs and live as long as nine years. They can be particularly devastating to agricultural areas and ecosystems and result in trade bans. Hailing from Eastern Africa, the snails are only allowed into the United States with special permits and for scientific research."