93 | Exotic Parasites in Snakes Spreading Across North America

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jenna Palmisano, a Ph.D. Candidate studying parasites in snakes. Focusing on pentastomes, they discuss the species native to North America and how they are different from the exotic invasive pentastome found in Florida. The parasite is thought to have come into North America from exotic snakes that are spreading across Florida, but the parasite has been found much farther north than the snakes that may have brought them in. They discuss how human activities have likely facilitated the move north and ways to potentially deal with the issue. You are not going to miss this one, these parasites have the potential to impact snakes across North America.Connect with Jenna at the University of Central Florida and read more about her research.  Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.