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Find out more from the Center for Biological Diversity:
Giant Palouse earthworm
The Seattle Times, July 19, 2010

Palouse earthworm gets second look for protection
By The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Center for Biological Diversity says the federal Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to take another look at whether the giant Palouse earthworm deserves protection as an endangered species.

The Portland-based center said Monday the decision reverses a Bush administration finding that there wasn't enough information to conclude the worm needs protection. That was upheld in a June appeals court ruling.

In April, University of Idaho officials announced that living specimens of the worm were captured for the first time in two decades.

The discovery appeared to dispel the myth that the worms spit and smell like lilies. They aren't even that giant. The adult worm measured about 10 or 12 inches fully extended.

Copyright © 2010 The Seattle Times Company

Photo © Paul S. Hamilton