‘Alien thing’ is seen writhing on Minnesota shoreline in nightmarish video. What is it?

A coiling, writhing creature spotted along a Minnesota shoreline is nightmare-inducing for many people, but it’s actually harmless to humans.

Though it’s understandable if you don’t want to find out for yourself.

Video shared on Facebook by Kari Feldewerd showed what appeared to be a worm coiling in many directions on a dock along Mille Lacs Lake. She asked what the creature was, and the comments did not disappoint.

“New nightmare unlocked. Thanks for that,” one commenter said.

“I don’t know, I’d torch that alien thing and see what happens,” another said.

Many commenters pointed out the creature is a horsehair worm, which are common in Minnesota and other parts of the United States. The “alien thing” description isn’t far off, either.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources describes the species as “alien-looking,” saying they’re often seen in the state’s lakes during spring and summer. They only grow to 0.1 inches in diameter but can reach lengths of 2 feet.

While harmless to humans, horsehair worms are parasitic to other creatures in the water.

“Horsehair worms are known for their terrifying ability in some species to hijack their hosts nervous system, altering their behavior to actively seek out water,” according to The Wildlife Trusts. “Once near water, the horsehair worm causes the host to jump into the water drowning itself so the adult parasite can return to reproduce completing the lifecycle.”

But they’re beneficial, according to the University of Minnesota, because they are “effective in controlling certain insects.”

That won’t stop the nightmares, however.

“And that’s why I don’t swim in lakes,” one woman commented.

Mille Lacs Lake covers more than 200 miles and is about 100 miles north of Minneapolis.

This story was originally published June 20, 2023 at 11:02 AM.