Texas Now Has The Biggest, Creepiest (And Poisonous) Worm Ever

They resemble hammerhead sharks, can be bright yellow and they're over a foot long. If you cut one in half, it doesn't die ... it grows a new head and a new worm is born.

This sounds like a fantasy creature created by a science fiction writer or Hollywood huh? They're real though and, just for giggles, they're also poisonous.

Why is everything in Texas always bigger, more over the top and/or crazier than anywhere else? I'll put this up against Arizona's nastiest bug any day.

I am SOOO not kidding here, the Hammerhead Flatworm prefers hot, humid climates so we're ok here in El Paso. Thanks to heavy rains though, places like Houston are seeing these things everywhere now. (See a yellow one here.)

The hammerhead worm, also known as a shovelhead or arrowhead, is a menacing pest that gets its name from its distinctive head shape, similar to that of a hammerhead shark. Growing up to 15 inches long, these worms have often even been mistaken for snakes. But what makes them truly dangerous is their toxic slime, which they use to paralyze earthworms - a vital component of crops, gardens and natural environments. - ndtv.com

That "toxic slime" is an irritant to human skin. If your pet eats one, it will get sick and may die. Humans too I guess but, I'd like to think, none of us find these things gastronomically appealing.

More Creepiness:

• Even if they're dead, you still can't touch these things without gloves.
• If you cut one in half, the severed half grows a head and becomes worm #2.
• They don't need a "mate" to reproduce.
• 1 worm can quickly become many that will kill your earthworms and spread that toxic gunk ... and other parasites too cuz, why not? ... all over your property.
• To dispose of them, you must put them in a plastic bag with salt, vinegar or citrus oil, and then freeze it overnight.
• If you touch one, wash the area with soap and water, then use hand sanitizer on it.

These things ain't no joke ...