Dangerous species of worm found in Arkansas

GREENE COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) – Most individuals assume most worms are innocent, however that isn’t the case, as a harmful species of a worm has been noticed in Arkansas.

Because the week of June 13, hammerhead worms have been present in Greene County, in response to the College of Arkansas’ Division of Agriculture.

Officers stated hammerhead worms can include a potent neurotoxin referred to as tetrodotoxin, which is usually present in pufferfish. Publicity to tetrodotoxin could cause complications, physique numbness, vomiting, and stomach ache.

They talked about hammerhead worms are carnivorous and if they’re minimize in half, they may regenerate, creating two worms as an alternative of 1.

Officers stated should you spot a hammerhead worm, you must do the next:

• Don’t contact it! Put on gloves should you deal with them.
• Don’t hesitate to kill the worm! They suggest placing it right into a bucket with salt, vinegar, or sizzling water to kill it.

Hammerhead worms are sometimes recognized by their broad spade-shaped head and long-flattened physique. They sometimes develop to be 8 to 12 inches.

When you spot a hammerhead worm, officers suggest reporting your sighting by clicking right here.

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