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Fast-Growing ‘Hairy Panic’ Tumbleweeds Entangle Australian City

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This frame grab from footage released by Australian television's Channel 7 on Feb. 18, 2016, shows a man clearing out fast-growing tumbleweed from a home in the town of Wangaratta, 150 miles northeast of Melbourne, Australia.
This frame grab from footage released by Australian television's Channel 7 on Feb. 18, 2016, shows a man clearing out fast-growing tumbleweed from a home in the town of Wangaratta, 150 miles northeast of Melbourne, Australia.Channel 7/AFP/Getty Images
By Justin Worland

The sudden growth of tumbleweeds in a rural Australian city has led to frustration among residents who say they weeds are blocking their lawns and windows, according to a Guardian report.

The growth of the weed, known in the region as “hairy panic,” occurs every year in Wangaratta, Victoria. But residents say this year has been particularly bad due to extremely dry conditions. Australia is one of several regions across the globe hit by a drought related to El Niño.

The town’s council has said little can be done to slow the weed’s growth this year but its members are evaluating potential solutions for next year, according to the Guardian.

[Guardian]

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Write to Justin Worland at justin.worland@time.com