Invasive Burmese pythons carry fewer parasites than Florida's native snakes

Researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University compared parasites in invasive Burmese pythons and native snakes in South Florida. Pythons, donated by hunters, showed an overall pentastome parasite prevalence of 7.58%, versus 21.2% across native snakes collected as roadkill. The study, which also compiled a checklist of species found, aims to provide a baseline for tracking parasite spillover into native wildlife.