Pole Plant

Pole plants (dubbed as such by Rock, Paper, Shotgun) are creatures akin to millipedes in appearance, but they look like standard climbing poles until touched. When touched, they drag down any prey trying to scale them. When dormant, the ambient enemy music will still play, and they will ripple with red stripes upon closer observation. They can bring down anything as large as vulture, but can be killed by a single spear.

Combat tips
If a piece of rubbish is thrown at the plant, it will writhe around in annoyance, entering an active state. Whilst active it has a tendency to grab anything within range (including the slugcat). After the pole plant has been aggravated, it will attack any creature that passes by it. During this window it is suggested to give the pole plant a wide berth. This tactic can be useful for getting rid of pursuing predators, such as lizards. If slugcat is grabbed, hitting the plant with a piece of rubbish or a spear will cause it to let go.

Hitting a pole plant with a spear will cause it writhe around in pain. In this panicked state, the plant is harmless; quick slugcats can retrieve the spear before the plant retreats underground. 'Killed' pole plants usually return the following cycle and are in the same spot.

Avoidance
A pole plant can be told from normal poles by opening up the map view, a pole which is not visible on the map is a hidden pole plant, in addition the guide will indicate the pole plant with the flashing red and yellow predator "warning" symbol along with the threat music playing. If possible (wait for the plant to return to dormant if aggravated) try and run along the bottom being mindful not to jump into the vicious plant. Another trick is to look at the poles themselves, they are discolored and have missing rust spots along the edges. If a pole plant is accidentally grabbed, quickly jump off to avoid being pulled in.

In a rare occurrence in the Sky Islands some can be found sideways, these are much harder to escape as the plant is not mounted near the floors.

Regions
Pole plants can be found hiding in the following regions: Outskirts, Drainage System, Farm Arrays, Sky Islands, The Wall, and The Leg.

Trivia

 * Typically the pole plants encountered stand vertically, however in some areas they can be found mounted on walls hidden as side poles.
 * It is possible for a pole plant to be replaced with a Monster Kelp if the slugcat kills it enough times over many cycles. This change can cause certain routes to become virtually inaccessible.