Bloodsucking worms found in Florida rattlesnake species alarm researchers: It's a 'nasty situation'

A stomach-churning parasite typically known to infect southeast Asia’s Burmese python has now made its way to central Florida - and, scientists warn it could spread across the country in a matter of years. The worms, known as pentastome parasites, invade the lungs of their victims and feed exclusively on blood. While it’s well known that the presence of Burmese pythons is wreaking havoc on native species, scientists say they've identified an ‘alarming’ new cause for concern after discovering a dead pygmy rattlesnake with parasitic worms spilling out of its mouth. Experts say the parasite already appears to be traveling north, and there’s no telling how far or fast it will spread...MORE