Black Worms in water streams on Mt Shasta
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2011 7:43 pm
Anyone knows anything about ¼" (8-10 mm) black worms living in the water streams high on Mt Shasta? Are there any hazardous to human health once swallowed?
I've called Mt Shasta Ranger Station and am waiting for a call back with any info.
The worms were found in quite a huge number existing in the water stream around 10,000 feet in the Hotlum/Boolam Ridge camp sites area.
I'm concern about this warms because I've might swallowed a few of them before my buddy discovered them in his (crystal clear) bottle. After that we were boiling the water before drinking it. The alive worms were usually falling to the bottom of the container and boiled went to the top.
Unfortunately, I camped at the same place in August (between 28-30) and was drinking that water without treating it. I did not notice any worms that time but did not look for any. I had no idea that in such cold water at such elevation (especially without any water pools above) such organisms may exist.
Over this weekend many people climb Shasta (including Hotlum/Boolam Ridge and Wintum/Hotlum Ridge) and they've might not treated the water before drinking it. In fact, two climbers camping next to us said that at the Ranger Station they told them that this water was safe for drinking.
I would appreciate any info/help with this issue. THANKS.
I've called Mt Shasta Ranger Station and am waiting for a call back with any info.
The worms were found in quite a huge number existing in the water stream around 10,000 feet in the Hotlum/Boolam Ridge camp sites area.
I'm concern about this warms because I've might swallowed a few of them before my buddy discovered them in his (crystal clear) bottle. After that we were boiling the water before drinking it. The alive worms were usually falling to the bottom of the container and boiled went to the top.
Unfortunately, I camped at the same place in August (between 28-30) and was drinking that water without treating it. I did not notice any worms that time but did not look for any. I had no idea that in such cold water at such elevation (especially without any water pools above) such organisms may exist.
Over this weekend many people climb Shasta (including Hotlum/Boolam Ridge and Wintum/Hotlum Ridge) and they've might not treated the water before drinking it. In fact, two climbers camping next to us said that at the Ranger Station they told them that this water was safe for drinking.
I would appreciate any info/help with this issue. THANKS.