Weird Worms Pop Up At Jersey Shore: Here's Why

WILDWOOD, NJ — All sorts of creatures can be found along the shore. This past weekend, beachgoers reported sightings of dozens of strange, bristly worms. They went to social media, sharing photos and asking: what are these worms?

These eely, reddish worms are likely clam worms, a marine science expert told Action News.

Clam worms, also known as cinder worms or pile worms, are related to earthworms. And despite their appearance, they're harmless - just maybe a little gross for children having fun at the beach.

As for why there were so many, that's because it was time for these worms to breed. During their mating period, they come to the surface, according to the Smithsonian Institute.

The worms have a particular behavior of swimming around when they breed, Christine Thompson, an associate professor of marine science from Stockton University told Action News.

But their breeding periods are short and the worms often die afterwards, according to Action News, so by Monday, the worms were gone.