It's really hot here, and I've noticed when walking in the summer there is an abundance of dead worms on the sidewalk. What I can't figure out is why the little bastards don't turn back when they hit that hotplate of a sidewalk.

For the first time I saw one today that was still alive, and I helped the little feller across-at least I think that's the way he was trying to go. I'm sure they're not too bright, but I would think that by instict they would back up as soon as they felt the heat. But apparently the little bastards really have a "can do" attitude.

the grass is always greener on the other side of the sidewalk.

Have same thing here... Maybe the are looking for some more moist/damp grass/ground and in their travels got turned around and just kept going.... Having same thing here as I live a few miles east of the OP-- honestlou. When found still alive I return them to a shaded damper area if possible...... ............................................ drill sgt.

The other day I saw one on my driveway dehydrating, I picked him up, poured water on him and put him in a shady part of the garden. 30 seconds later a bird came and ate him, oops my good worm deed turned into a good bird deed.

Was there no heavy rain the night before? Usually when we have heavy rain there will be lots of them on the asphalt and then the sun comes out and kills em. I end up with lots of them in the pool also.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
Was there no heavy rain the night before? Usually when we have heavy rain there will be lots of them on the asphalt and then the sun comes out and kills em. I end up with lots of them in the pool also.

There has been a lot of rain lately, and at night. So maybe there’re just hanging out on the sidewalk as the sun rises? I guess to check the theory If have to go out early after a night rain and see if they’re hanging out in the sidewalk.

When my younger son was 5 or 6 and waiting for the school bus, he would rescue the driveway worms by gently picking them up and placing them on the grass.

Dead Worm, gonna put it on you.......!

When I see one of the poor creatures on the sidewalk I pick it up and toss it onto some moist, shady grass to save it from a grim death. Baking to death, getting partially mashed, or eaten alive by ants.

Could be worse: