Biologists and government officials of Northern Mariana Islands are now on alert for a snake that can destroy bird populations and short out electrical grids by climbing power poles.

The 40-inch male brown tree snake was found in a trap on Rota Island's seaport fence line earlier in September, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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This type of snake doesn't just eliminate birds. It allows the insect population to grow and restricts the diversity of plants, as well.

It has a ripple effect on the ecosystem.

The corpse of the snake was moved to Guam for researchers to examine for more details such as how long it was in the trap, said Sylvan Igisomar, a coordinator and biologist for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Researchers are setting up 200 more traps around the island in addition to the current 46 traps used for early detection.

They are concerned about the native bird population on the island of Rota, a part of the CNMI, since the snake caused a drastic reduction in native bird populations in Guam.

Brown tree snake can eat their prey whole. They hibernate for weeks, making it difficult to catch them when they're not out hunting for food.

Researchers suggest killing the snake immediately because it moves fast and disappears quickly. Residents are advised to call the tree snake program.

TagsNorthern Mariana Islands, Brown Tree Snake, Bird Population