Rumors warning of a toxic and hard to kill worm has been making its rounds on social media and causing panic among the local farming community. Called the hammerhead worm, this creepy creature may be real but the viral message is fake news, according to biosecurity experts.

"It basically makes clones of itself," explained Christopher Rosario. A toxic and hard to kill flatworm has been rearing its hammer-shaped head. "Text messages and emails in regards to the concerned public about this hammerhead flatworm being on Guam," he added.

A widely spread text message warning of the so-called “immortal” hammerhead worm has been causing panic among the local farming community, according to Rosario, a Guam state entomologist. "They actually call it an arrowhead flatworm," he continued. "It’s actually taken over most of the southern parts of the United States. Which is why we encourage not to bring in soil. We actually don’t allow soil into Guam."

The flatworm is native to Southeast Asia and can hitch a ride on soil or plants. But Rosario says none have been spotted locally. It’s why for now, he hesitantly calls it fake news.

"I can’t make any confirmation without any actual proof. We have no pictures, no specimens. That’s why I reserve to say that it’s completely fake, but I also don’t want to say it's true because we don’t have that official confirmation," he said.

As for a photo attached to the viral message, it can be debunked by a quick reverse image search on Google. Rosario said, "We found that this image was actually used two years ago, which was also considered fake news during that time. So as far as we know, it’s still fake news."

Still, he's asking the community to keep your eyes peeled in case this invasive species does inch its way past customs and into local gardens. "How much this can spread - this would be a big concern for us only because we have native snails on Guam. You’ve probably heard this flatworm has a toxin," he said.

Notably, the hammerhead flatworm can grow up to a meter, has the same toxins found in pufferfish, and can quickly reproduce without a mate. Reciting a viral message reading ‘Don’t cut it into 10 pieces 'cuz it will grow 10 more worms (they are immortal)', Rosario responded, "There’s some validity. To me, I take it with a grain of salt. They can asexually reproduce, meaning you cut them into maybe 10 pieces. Maybe only 5 pieces will grow into actual worms."

If you spot this pest or any other invasive species, you’re asked to report it to the Pest Hotline at (671) 475-PEST.