Worm charming facts for kids

Worm charming, also known as worm grunting or worm fiddling, is a cool way to get earthworms to come out of the ground. People usually do this to collect worms for fishing bait. But did you know it can also be a fun sport? Most of the time, worm charming works by making the ground vibrate. This makes the worms think something is happening, so they wiggle up to the surface!

What is Worm Charming?

Worm charming is the art of attracting earthworms from their underground homes. It's a unique skill that uses different methods to make worms appear. The main goal is often to gather worms to use as bait when fishing. However, it has also become a competitive sport in some places.

How Does it Work?

Most worm charming methods involve making the soil shake or vibrate. When the ground vibrates, it makes the worms think there might be a predator nearby, like a mole. To escape, the worms quickly move up to the surface. One common way to do this is by pushing a steel pole into the ground. Then, you twirl or rub the pole, which makes the dirt around it move. This movement encourages the worms in that area to come to the top of the ground.

Worm Charming as a Sport

While many people charm worms for fishing, it can also be a really fun competition! People compete to see who can bring the most worms to the surface in a certain amount of time. It's a unique and interesting sport that brings communities together.

The Worm Grunting Capital

Did you know there's a place called the "worm grunting capital of the world"? It's Albuquerque, New Mexico! Every year on June 21, thousands of people, especially fishermen, gather for an annual worm grunting festival. It's a big event where people show off their worm charming skills and celebrate this unusual activity.

Images for kids

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  Competitive worm charming at Willaston