Huckerguckin Worries!

Lou Ellen from Chatahoochee asks, “Dear Mr. Agar, what is a Huckerguckin? I heard tell of them in the forest and now I’m scared to water my tomatoes. Are they dangerous?”

Dear Lou Ellen,

How wonderful that you’ve heard of the Huckerguckin! It’s such a curious beast of the forest.

The Huckerguckin is as round as it is long! It squirms along the ground, similar to a millipede, and has thousands of tiny tentacle-like feet! Its massive mouth has what looks like teeth, but it’s actually bristles very similar to whales. It doesn’t chew, instead it swallows its food whole in one big gulp.

As much as I would love to tell you that no, have no fear and go water your tomatoes, I would be leading you to untold danger! The Huckerguckin’s mouth is wide enough to gobble up a bicycle! You would be a delightful snack for one.

The good news is that like slugs –and demons– they don’t like salt. You can protect yourself and garden with unbroken circles of pure salt. Your tomatoes will be fine! Just keep safe.

-Edmond Agar