Paranormal Phenomenon: Beware the Mongolian Death Worm

It often amazes me the number of science fiction movies or television shows that are rooted some kind of fact or based upon actual phenomena that we would very likely dismiss out of hand. Such is the case with a couple of pieces of science fiction. One is the classic "Dune". The other is the movie "Tremors."

Both films prominently feature worm-like creatures that like to hide underneath the sand of the desert. While the creatures of these films were vastly different from one another, they still had some features in common with a real live phenomenon known as the Mongolian Death Worm.

The death worm supposedly lives in the sand of the Gobi Desert. It has been seen by not just one or two people, but by many different individuals from all walks of life and various classes, including diplomats.

The worm is described as ranging in length from three to five feet. It is bright red in color and features dark splotches. It is described as resembling the intestine of a large animal such as a cow. Some reports indicate that it has large spiky projections on one or both ends.

Mongolians believe that the death worm remains inactive for most of the year. Some suspect that, during that time, it may be hibernating. Others worry that it might be laying eggs or otherwise propagating. It is said to active generally during the hottest part of the summer in June and July.

The creature is considered very dangerous because some kind of substance on its outer skin is corrosive. Many believe that it can even corrode metal. They say that simply touching the beast will result in immediate death.

Others claim that the worm is capable of releasing golden yellow poison that acts like an acid. It is believed to be deadly to anyone with whom it comes in contact. The worm is also reported to be capable of administering electrical shocks that stun its prey in submission or can even kill if the beast so desires.

Mongolian nomads call the worm allghoi khorkhoi, which translates to mean "blood intestine worm." They have reported the creature for decades. Unfortunately, all attempts to scientifically prove its existence have so far failed.

The death worm has been investigated many times. Ivan Mackerle, from the Czech Republic, has headed three expeditions in search of the creature; the last of which was conducted in 2004. According to Wikipedia, Mackerle has tried to lure the worm out of the desert using explosives and with cameras mounted on low flying aircraft. But the team has come up empty-handed each time.

Mackerle isn't the only one who has tried to prove the existence of the Mongolian Death Worm. A team of British scientists sponsored by the Center for Fortean Zoology and led by Richard Freeman conducted their own search in 2005.

While the team was not able to document the existence of the creature, their resulting report stated that they believed the worm did indeed exist. They based this decision on the various eye witness accounts they explored as well as the fact that they did locate two other animals not previously known to mankind. Perhaps the existence of those creatures could be considered some form of proof that others, like the death worm, might also exist.

Sci-Fi Channel's hit television, Destination Truth, is the last known expedition that tried to capture the creature on film in 2007. They failed to find any proof that backed up the hundreds of eyewitness accounts that have been logged over the years.

Theories abound about just "what" the Mongolian Death Worm might be, if it actually exists. Some believe that it could be a previously unknown snake or reptile since both have species within their class that are capable of spitting deadly venom. However, there is no known variety of snake or reptile that shoots electrical current. That, therefore, leaves this particular theory somewhat doubtful.

While eels are capable of electrical charges, they are dependent upon the use of water to carry the charge to their victim. Additionally, no variety of eel is known to survive on land.

Like Chupacabra and the Loch Ness Monster, the existence of the Mongolian Death Worm may never be proven. Does that then mean that it doesn't really exist? Personally, I won't take any chances. I'll be staying away from the Gobi Desert - - just in case.