3-foot Worm Has Fans

Palouse earthworm. Credit: Yaniria Sanchez-de Leon/University of Idaho

When taxonomist Frank Smith discovered the giant Palouse earthworm (Driloleirus americanus) in 1897 by, he described it as "very abundant." Now sightings of the white, 3-foot-long worm are rare.

The last confirmed sighting was made in 2005 by a University of Idaho researcher. Before that, the giant worm had not been spotted in 17 years, since 1988.

It's been in a legal battle pretty much ever since but has not been protected under federal laws. Today AP reports the worm's fans have filed a petition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to try and get the worm protected as an endangered species. A similar effort during the Bush administration failed, but Palouse supporters hope for a warmer reception this time.