A routine afternoon outdoors can sometimes take an unexpected turn. While handling basic yard work with an older lawn mower, I barely noticed a faint sensation near my ankle and assumed it was nothing more than a passing irritation. My attention was elsewhere, focused on finishing the task while my dog rested nearby. It wasn’t until a moment later that I decided to check, just to be safe.
What I found was a very small, dark insect firmly attached to my skin. It was easy to miss at first glance, but closer inspection made it clear that this was not an ordinary bug. After removing it carefully, I recognized distinctive features that pointed to a lone star tick, a species known for its subtle appearance and active behavior.
Continued on the next page
ADVERTISEMENT
