The scientists found out about the lasso movement by accident. They were trying to protect some native birds in Guam. These birds were in danger of being wiped out because of brown tree snakes. The brown tree snakes have been eating native birds in Guam. The snakes have caused 10 native bird species in the country to become extinct, and now only two species of native birds remain. To protect the birds, the scientists installed eight-inch-wide metal poles to keep snakes, raccoons, and other predators from climbing the birds’ nests. The scientists also installed video cameras to monitor the birds’ nests. While monitoring the birds, scientists were surprised to see that brown tree snakes were able to climb the poles. The snakes formed lassos by looping their bodies around the pole and hooking their tails around their bodies. Then, they wiggled up the pole.