Editing Swamp rabbit (section)

=== Predators, parasites and diseases ===
Known predators of ''Sylvilagus aquaticus'' are [[Dog|domestic dogs]], [[American alligator]]s, and [[human]]s.<ref name="ADW" /> [[Feral pig]]s are also a potential predator.<ref name="Stevens-2023" /> The swamp rabbit cannot swim fast enough to escape hunting dogs,<ref name="CBC.ca" /> and so will attempt to escape pursuers by hiding under water among plants and brush with only its nose above the surface.<ref name="Reed-2008" /> The species is hunted for [[Rabbit fur|fur]], meat, and sport, and is the second-most commonly [[Rabbit hunting|hunted rabbit]] in the United States. Swamp rabbits have several [[adaptation]]s to avoid predators: [[cryptic coloration]], "freezing", and rapid, irregular jumping patterns.<ref name="ADW" />

''Sylvilagus aquaticus'' is susceptible to [[parasitism]] from various [[roundworms]] in the genus ''[[Brugia]]'', specifically ''B.&nbsp;lepori'', which is [[Endemism|endemic]] to Louisiana.<ref name="Evans-2024" /> The roundworms live in the subcutaneous and lymphatic tissue of the rabbit. ''B.&nbsp;lepori'' is also known to affect the eastern cottontail,<ref name="Eberhard-1984" /> and is suspected as an agent of human ''Brugia'' infections in the northeastern United States.<ref name="Eberhard-1991" /> ''S.&nbsp;aquaticus'' is also affected by other internal parasites, including [[Trematoda|trematodes]] and [[Cestoda|cestodes]], as well as the parasitic tick ''[[Haemaphysalis leporispalustris]]''.<ref name="Chapman-1981" /> It is known to contract [[tularemia]]<ref name="Nielsen-2018" /> and [[leptospirosis]], though the latter disease is not considered to have a major impact on mortality.<ref name="Shotts-1971" />