Residents of a Houston neighborhood are being warned to stay away from giant African land snails after a woman found one in her garden and snapped a photo of it, according to a report from NBC News.

The snails, researchers warn, are potentially dangerous to touch, in part because they can carry meningitis.

Scientists have warned anyone who comes in contact with them to wash their hands thoroughly, the report says.

Read this entire story from NBC News, HERE.

Related Content:

It’s not a joke: Giant African land snails attacking Florida