Texas ' Big BendNational Park shared a photo of an acid-spraying creature that emerges after summer rains.- A vinegaroon, or "whip scorpion," was spotted at the park's Chisos Basin Campground.
- The creature can "shoot a well-aimed spray of 85% acetic
acid ," but only if they're disturbed, the park said.
Acid spraying critters are on the hunt for "food and love" at a national park in Texas, according to authorities.
A vinegaroon, also called a "whip scorpion," was spotted after summer rains likely lured the creature out of its burrow at Big Bend National Park, the Texas destination said.
The creatures can "pinch with their heavy mouthparts (pedipalps) and shoot a well-aimed spray of 85% acetic acid (vinegar) from the base of their "whip" to protect themselves," but they won't unleash their spray unless "you happen to annoy them," the park said in a Facebook post.
"They hunt millipedes, scorpions, crickets, cockroaches, and other invertebrates by sensing vibrations with their long, thin front legs," the statement said.
The vinegaroon was seen roaming at the national park's Chisos Basin Campground.
"If you're lucky enough to see one, look closely," the post said. "If it's a female, she may be carrying her hatchlings on her back."
Although they look intimidating, the nocturnal creatures are non-poisonous and grow up to about three inches long, according to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. They can be found in areas including deserts, mountains, and grasslands.