Jumping worm (Credit: University of Minnesota) Several states are reporting problems with "jumping worms" as the weather gets warmer and more people are tending to their gardens.
The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association said the species are native to Asia but are listed as a "species of concern" in several states including New York.
Sightings have also been reported in Massachusetts and Minnesota. The association said that the worms are spreading through the transfer of mulch, compost, leaf litter and plants.
They were once sold as fishing bait but were recently prohibited.RELATED: Invasive jumping worms that 'thrash wildly' when handled reported in several US statesOther nicknames for the species include "crazy worms, snake worms, Jersey wigglers, and Alabama Jumpers," according to the association.