‘Demonic,’ foot-long creature popping up following rain: ‘Truly the end times’

Published On: June 25, 2025

Rain delivers several benefits, including much-needed moisture for both plants and animals, a drop in temperature, and positive energy.

However, it can also result in unpleasant things. Like these squirmy, rather strange-looking things.

Chron reports that there have been weeks of intense rain in some areas of Texas. Additionally, locals have started to report seeing the invasive hammerhead worm more frequently since recent rains.

In addition to Texas, these guys can be found in other states. Among them is Pennsylvania.

As one neighbor told NBC 5, “It was terrifying, like these are really the end times, even the worms are demonic.”

According to the Texas Invasive Species Institute, hammerhead worms are native to Southeast Asia and do, in fact, feature broad, flat heads that resemble hammerhead sharks. Hammerhead worms, which are predators of earthworms, are incredibly thin and can grow to a length of more than a foot, which contributes to their strange look.

In addition to its strangeness, Penn State University has shown that the worm produces a poison called tetrodotoxin. Humans who come into contact with them may have skin irritation from etrodotoxin, and pets that consume them may even become poisoned.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller stresses that the standard worm-killing methods are ineffective when dealing with these individuals.

He emphasized that people should be aware that asexual reproduction produces three or four additional worms, so they should avoid killing, squashing, or chopping it up. You have two worms now that you tore it in half.

Any hammerhead worm you find should be placed in a sack and frozen for up to 48 hours, according to experts. It can also be submerged in a solution of vinegar and salt.

Worms are invertebrates, not bugs, as this article has been updated to reflect. The writer expresses regret.