“Slimy, Creepy And Invasive” Worms Found In Tuscaloosa
Anything described as "creepy" and "invasive" is worth taking note of, in my humble opinion.
Get familiar with the Hammerhead worm, which is now being spotted in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
It was the topic of discussion on the radio this morning, which you can hear below from WFFN-FM (95.3 THE BEAR)'s Steve & DC morning show.
One report told the story of a local man who touched one of these Hammerhead worms and then became sick shortly after.
This is an invasive flatworm that can wreak havoc in a garden.
A recent post on Facebook from Alabama Extension provided information.
*From Facebook/Alabama Extension
Don't touch them!
That is controversial, according to some folks that are familiar with these creatures.
Neal Hargle, the county agent for the Tuscaloosa County Extension Office called into the Steve & DC morning show on WFFN-FM (95.3 THE BEAR) and provided much more information on the worms.
Another Facebook post put the spotlight on this Hammerhead worm as it invades southern lawns.
*From Facebook/WQSB
It is able to mate without a mate. What? Yeah, that's right. It has a very dangerous neurotoxin that it can't pass to humans due to its small mouth.
The worm can regenerate itself if it's cut in half, which is also kind of creepy. These types of worms are considered "predatory land planarians" according to Wikipedia.
They do damage by killing off the earthworms that we need in our gardens.
It was also featured on WBRC-TV, and you can see that HERE.