Another creepy creature is making its way up the eastern seaboard. Invasive hammerhead worms that are about 22 inches long and contain a neurotoxin (poison) are spreading up the southeastern coast (e.g., Florida, Georgia) north to Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, NJ and elsewhere. Yikes!
The flatworms (Bipalium) originally came from Asia. They contain tetrodoxin (TTX), which causes paralysis of the muscle tissue. It's the same toxin found in puffer fish! But what makes the worms ultra-creepy is that if one gets broken up into mutiple pieces, each piece can regenerate to become a fully functioning worm!
Biologists say they are not a danger to humans unless handled (can cause skin irritation) or eaten (many of them). They can be killed by pouring some salt on them, and then dispose by placing into a plastic bag. Don't handle with bare hands - use a stick or wear gloves.
Excerpts from Washington Post: Toxin-secreting hammerhead worms are invading the D.C. area. How to stop them.
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