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Mongolian Death Worm

Gaynor Borade
There are a number of myths that surround the Mongolian death worm. The creature is believed to be a cryptid, housed in the Gobi Desert. The evidence of the creature's existence lacks scientific support and is usually mentioned alongside the Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster and Yeti.
The Mongolian death worm is said to be a cryptid. Sightings of this creature are highly disputed and is commonly classified as a 'hidden animal'. It is an object of speculation in pseudoscience and considered legendary and/or nonexistent. Mainstream biology does not confirm its existence, though there are stories around its description and geographic range.

Structure

The sightings report a creature that looks like a worm, bright red in color and with a body around 5 feet long. Mainstream science does not support the existence of the creature primarily because such mega-fauna creatures generally need to exist in large numbers for effective breeding. The Gobi Desert climate and food supply makes its survival most unlikely.
The creature is called 'allghoi khorkhoi' by the natives. The name translates as 'blood-filled intestine worm'. Also called the large intestine worm, it is believed to resemble the intestine of a cow. Mongolian locals make extraordinary claims stating that it has the ability of spewing sulfuric acid on contact.
They propound that the creature turns everything it comes in contact with yellowish-corroded color and has claimed the lives of many of their kin. Some claims state that the creature has the ability to electrocute a person or another animal at a distance. It is credited with generating a lethal electric discharge from its body.
The creature has enjoyed a mention in the 1996 book release of 'The Unexplained', where the British zoologist and author Karl Shuker highlighted the fact that the worm was indeed an amphisbaenid.
The Mongolian death worm has been described to display the following features:
  • A sausage-like body.
  • Thickness as much as a man's forearm.
  • Short tail that appears cut off, not tapering.
  • Absence of visible eyes, mouth or nostrils.
  • Rolling and/or sideways movement.
  • Preference for an underground existence.

Death Worm or Not?

The claim made by Karl Shuker created the image of a worm lizard. The claim went on to spread the thought that the creature inhabits America, the Caribbean Islands and sub-Saharan Africa. The creature is believed to be limbless and burrows into the soil and rock crevices. It is described as a lizard-like reptile and surmised to have a carnivorous diet.
Research reveals no sighting of this mythical creature. Although mainstream science refuses to support the description or stories spun around, it has not totally eliminated that there is a remote possibility that the creature might inhabit the inaccessible terrain of the Gobi Desert that lies along the Mongolia and China border.
The creature is reported to hibernate during most months of the year and is believed to be most active during the months of June and July. The natives believe that the slightest contact with the creature or even being in the peripheral brings instant death. It is supposed to have a venom that can corrode metal.
The giant poisonous worm is more like a sci-fi character, and has even been tempted out of its hidden realms with the help of explosives, by Ivan Mackerle and the Czech Republic team dedicated to the study of this very elusive creature.