The creature turned out to be a hammerhead worm, a type of land-dwelling flatworm. Unlike ordinary earthworms, hammerhead worms are predators that feed on other small invertebrates, including earthworms.
Their most recognizable feature is the broad head, which can resemble a hammer or shovel. Because some species produce substances used to subdue prey, it is best not to handle an unfamiliar specimen with bare hands.
If you find one in your yard, observe it from a safe distance and keep children and pets away from it. There is usually no reason to panic—the encounter is mainly a reminder of how many unusual creatures can live quietly around our homes.
