Here at OnlyInKentucky, we do our best to keep y’all as informed as possible… even when it comes to things we wish we didn’t have to share. Enter: the hammerhead worm, an invasive species that’s been spotted rearing its ugly little (hammer)head in certain corners of Kentucky this year. Here’s what you need to be on the lookout for with this unwelcome little guest in Kentucky.

You know that feeling you get when you see something slither past out of the corner of your eye? That's your intuition. Don't ignore it.
PvilleSteve/Wikipedia
This is Bipalium, an invasive species of a snake-like worm that's been reported in states all across the South.
Blondinrikard Fröberg/Flickr
Also known as the "hammerhead worm," the species, which can reach nearly a foot long, get their name from the shape of their heads. The mouths of hammerhead worms are not located on their head, but rather halfway down the bottom surface of their bodies.
Mohammed Rafiq/Wikipedia
Native to Southeast Asia, hammerhead worms are a reckless and fast-reproducing invasive species. They are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female organs, and are able to reproduce with a mate and asexually.
Bart Everson/Flickr

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They're not just hideous; they're dangerous. These worms are carnivorous, eating primarily earthworms and other invertebrates in the soil. Additionally, the worms produce tetrodotoxin, the same poison found in pufferfish.
Mike Prince/Flickr
They pose no danger to humans unless you pick one up, as the slime might cause skin irritation.
Scadgrad/Wikipedia
And in terms of invasive species, they're truly terrible, having the potential to seriously affect local earthworm populations. Earthworms, as you know, are highly beneficial to the ecosystem, converting organic matter into nutrients that feed plants. When earthworms disappear, their benefits cease.
Dodo-Bird/Flickr
Kentucky is a warm and welcoming Southern state, but this invasive species is not welcome here.
Francesco Veronesi/Flickr

Have you spotted the hammerhead worm in your corner of the Bluegrass? If so, please share the details with your fellow Kentuckians in the comments below!

Now for some good news: the hummingbirds are headed to Kentucky, and here’s when you can expect to spot these winsome winged creatures.

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Invasive Species in Kentucky

Sarah M. | April 03, 2023

What are some other invasive species in Kentucky?

Invasive species are nonnative species, often introduced by humans, either intentionally or by accident. They compete with native wildlife for resources and can be devastating to local habitats. Some invasive species in Kentucky include:

  • Miscanthus sinensis - Chinese silver grass.
  • Phragmites australis - Common reed.
  • Polygonum cuspidatum - Japanese knotweed.
  • Pueraria lobata - Kudzu.
  • Rosa multiflora - Multiflora rose.
  • Sorghum halapense - Johnson grass.
  • Stellaria media - Chickweed.

 

Those plants are just the tip of the iceberg, however. There are numerous invasive pests, like the hammerhead worm, that have been spotted in Kentucky, including the Asian Longhorned Tick.

What animals are native to Kentucky?

Kentucky's beautiful outdoors aren't just lovely to look at; they also host numerous native plant and animal species. In terms of animals, the wilds of Kentucky are home to white-tail deer, rabbits, American toads, coyotes, opossums, squirrels, skunks, foxes, mice, pine voles, and eastern woodrats. Kentucky's most recognized wild animals are the bit earth-colored bat, mountain bear, sandhill crane, Kentucky songbird, and copperhead snake. 

What are the most dangerous animals in Kentucky?

While most of the animals found in Kentucky pose little threat to humans, there are some notable exceptions you might want to be made aware of:

  • American black bears
  • Black widow spiders
  • Brown Recluse spiders
  • American mink

In addition, The Bluegrass State is home to four species of venomous snakes: the timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, the cottonmouth, and the copperhead. All four species belong to a group of snakes called pit vipers. The name pit viper comes from the pit or small opening located on each side of the head between the eye and nostril. If you encounter any of these slithering creatures on the trails, it's best to slowly back away and leave it alone. Even if the snake appears to be dead, experts do not recommend getting close and/or touching it.

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