It might sound like the unlikely plot of a 1950s B-movie, but the weed - also known as hairy panic grass or witchgrass - has blown into a residential neighborhood. The invasion has prompted local authorities to hold an emergency summit, reports ABC News.
Images from the area show bundles of the bristly tumbleweed blocking front doors to homes and forming barriers outside driveways.
#Wangaratta #Australia is fighting "hairy panic grass", result of neglected farmland & above average #Summer temps pic.twitter.com/n2qIwr0maF— Graham Penrose (@GrahamPenrose2) February 18, 2016
The toxic weed originated in nearby farmland among neglected hay crops, and was not prevented from spreading into local neighborhoods.
An information pamphlet about animal health, produced by Australia's Department of Primary Industries, explains that the grass contains toxins which can cause serious liver damage, photosensitivity and jaundice in sheep.
Signs of poisoning include swelling of the head or sunburn on the nose and ears of sheep.
Keep eye out for Hairy Panic after summer rain-can lead to liver damage & death in sheep. #dontpanic #weedid pic.twitter.com/5N9UJzcmiz — Meridian Livestock (@MeridianLStock) February 1, 2016
Victorian residents battle an invasion of hairy panic grass piling up to roof height. @Kate_Jones7 reports. https://t.co/hqVUGmtgUs — 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) February 17, 2016
Wangaratta resident Jason Perna described to ABC News how he woke to find six meters of tumbleweed outside his home.
"It makes it difficult to get the car out in the morning - if you can find it," he said.
In a bid to find some silver lining to the tumbleweed takeover, some residents are considering harvesting the hairy panic grass for scarecrows.
The online reaction to the grass invasion has been a mix of shock and amusement.
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