By Zak Sos
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — It’s slimy, can grow to be over a foot long and has a head that resembles a very unique shark. Meet the hammerhead worm, making its way to lawns across Alabama.
If you see one of these invasive worms — also called bipalium — don’t pick it up. Experts say the worm emits a toxin that can irritate your skin.
“You certainly don’t want to pick them up with your bare hands, because they can secrete that toxin and as far as we know, we don’t have a ton of research on this, but it can cause your skin to be irritated,” said Katelyn Kesheimer, an entomologist with Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.