00:09The harvester is a large, bulbous mass, with a large amount of tendrils spreading from the base.
00:16The bulb measures around 3 meters in height and 2 meters in diameter.
00:21The tendrils, on the other hand, can extend up to 150 meters in diameter horizontally.
00:27The Harvester is a specialized form of crawl that grows in a unique and deadly way.
00:34A harvester is created when a node, that will grow into a harvester.
00:38Instead of separating, continues to grow.
00:41Eventually, it will grow tendrils of its own.
00:44It uses the energy provided by its mother branch and expands its reach further, its tendrils, hidden just below the surface of the ground.
00:52The Harvester is equipped with two types of specialized tendrils.
00:58The first type is bulky, and flat.
01:01They lie the closest to the surface.
01:03These branches are lined on each length of the tendril with spines, extending in the shape of a bear trap.
01:09On each side of the branch, those particular spines have a vein that feed into them, that pump two types of venom.
01:14On one side, the spines can inject a neurotoxin, which will attack the nervous system of whomever it is injected into, causing sudden paralysis.
01:25The other side can inject an anticoagulant, which when injected, prevents blood cells from clotting.
01:31Whenever a large animal moves across the area armed with these tendrils, the branches will clamp onto the animal and thrash violently.
01:42Once the prey has been injected with both venoms, the tendrils will rest and the prey will immediately collapse.
01:49The animal will be unable to move due to the paralysis, and the wounds caused by the thrashing spines will not stop bleeding.
01:55All the prey can do is lie patiently, until succumbing to blood loss.
02:01Once the prey has bled out, the second type of tendrils come in.
02:06They lie below the spine equipped once.
02:09These branches are thick, but very sturdy.
02:12They share similar anatomy to the small branches of the crawl, equipped with organelle that absorbs nutrients.
02:18These tendrils sense the blood, and move their way to the surface and begin to absorb the vital fluid.
02:25Once the blood has been consumed, the tendrils will wrap around the body and begin to shuffle downwards.
02:32This movement loosens the soil and slowly pull the body underground.
02:36Once secure, the tendrils will continue to feed until there is nothing but scraps.
02:42The nourishment absorbed by the tendrils will be sucked back into the main bulb of the harvester.
02:47This bulb houses all the vital organs and the venom glands that pump into the spines.
02:54The nutrients are then converted into usable energy.
02:57The remains underground decompose, providing a rich soil, causing very prominent plant growth, which then attracts more animals.
03:06A strange behavior the harvester displays as its choice of diet.
03:13The spines will only activate on larger animals, allowing smaller ones to pass by unaffected.
03:18The spines will also not activate on some species of bird.
03:22There are a couple theories as to why this happens.
03:25One, it could be that attacking smaller animals would cost too much energy for what they get in return, making it not worth the time.
03:32Another, could be that smaller animals may attract larger animals or predators, allowing a safe place where prey may thrive, and lure more predators.
03:42It truly is astonishing.
03:46Although it is a spectacular creature, it is also very dangerous.
03:50The harvester is decently rare, only populating sparse areas in the northern hemisphere and woodland forests.
03:56If you are stunned by a harvester, there will be no way of helping you, being that there is no cure, and fatality is 100% positive.
04:07The best thing you can do is avoid encountering a harvester in the first place.
04:12If you are hiking, take note of any warnings or signs saying that there are harvesters around.
04:19If you also notice an abundance of lush, ground-dwelling plants in a forested area, and there are no signs of wildlife.
04:26This is suspicious and you should leave the area, staying close to the base of large trees or rocks.
04:31If you find yourself in the middle of a harvester ground, do, not, panic.
04:38Sudden movements may activate the tendrils and will inject you.
04:42Although a harvester is rather forgiving, do not risk any skittish movements.
04:47Remain calm.
04:48If you have any objects with considerable heft, like coats, backpacks, or full water bottles, gently take that object and lightly toss it towards the bulb, and away from your escape route.
05:01This will activate the spines on where the object lands, distracting the bulb for a moment.
05:07You will then slowly begin to do wide shuffles away from the bulb.
05:11If possible, throw another object when you are certain you are a fair enough distance away, just to be safe.
05:18Continue until you are completely sure you are out of harm's way.
05:22You may come out unscathed, but don't be too obnoxious, or you will be a harvester's next meal.
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