What value?

What is all the to-do about the big worm?

If you can't find him, how are you going to protect him? He lives underground and you can't "track" him.

I think your opening statement in the article is exactly right: "The Giant Palouse Earthworm will continue to live without protection." After all, he's made it this long without "help" and will likely continue to do so if you don't tear up his habitat looking for him. I say, leave the worm alone.

If you like the sound of "listing him as an endangered species," fine--list away, but otherwise, don't bother him. Of what value is it to him or to humanity? It is nice just to know he exists. I think it unwise to make known where he has been found, lest unscrupulous amateurs do some hunting on their own. The less said about this prehistoric creature, the better. Right?

Dee Jones,

Garfield