But try to grab hold of it and you’ll quickly understand the energetic nicknames this worm has earned. Just looking at one you might be hard pressed to tell the difference between it and any other species of earthworm. Introduced from East Asia around 80 years ago, it has since become well established in most southeastern states, and has recently wormed its way into Wisconsin, Illinois, Oregon, and many northeastern states. Indeed that is true of some worm species, but not the crazy snake-worm - an aggressive invasive earthworm with the potential to completely alter the character, functionality, and make-up of northern forests. Worse yet - it is a creature that most of us were raised to believe as being a beneficial presence in our yards and gardens. A new forest threat has oozed into our region, and it’s literally right under our feet. You would be forgiven for thinking that something called the Alabama Jumper, Jersey Wriggler, or Crazy Snake-Worm was either some kind of wild new cocktail or amusement park ride, but it is unfortunately something much more sinister than that. On the left is the well-known ‘night crawler’ worm, and the relative newcomer - ‘crazy snake worm’ is on the right. Two earthworm invaders of northern forests.

Download oregon giant earthworm