ARKANSAS, USA — Arkansas Game & Fish is warning the public of an invasive snail found in live crawfish shipments due to their potential to damage aquatic ecosystems, and even threaten human health.
Giant apple snails, also known as island apple snails, are freshwater snails that are known for being popular among the aquarium trade but can get problematic quickly as they can quickly outgrow their enclosures.
Apple snails aren't native to the United States but made their way to Florida in the 1980s. According to AGFC, irresponsible aquarium dumping is believed to be the way the invasive snails got here.
"Apple snails, as with any exotic plant or animal, should never be released into the wild," the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said in a statement on April 9, warning of the potential of the invasive snails making its way into Arkansas.
Apple snails lay bright pink egg "masses" —as AGFC calls them— just above water surfaces on tree stumps or other debris. Each of these masses contains 1,500 to 2,000 eggs, and a new batch can be laid every 5 to 14 days, experts say.
"Apple snails consume large quantities of aquatic plant material, damaging important habitat for native fish and wildlife. They cause significant damage to rice crops in Asia and are considered a serious rice crop pest in the U.S., affecting rice production in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida," AGFC said.
The spread of apple snails would be detrimental with Arkansas being the nation's largest rice producer.
If that wasn't already enough, they also carry parasites that can infect humans through eating uncooked snail meat or contaminated produce, AGFC officials say.
But wait, there's more— those "masses" of pink eggs that apple snails lay also contain a neurotoxin that causes skin and eye irritation if handled.
The live crawfish shipment where these snails were identified was from Louisiana, where these snails have spread to nearly 30 parishes after first being discovered in 2006.
"For more than a decade, apple snails have infested Louisiana crawfish farms, clogging crawfish traps, competing with crawfish for food, and resulting in the loss of entire crops," AGFC said.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is working with Louisiana and federal agencies to increase public awareness of the invasive species.
What to do if you find apple snails in Arkansas
- Take a picture
- Note the location
- Report it immediately
- If found in live crawfish shipments, use the Apple Snail Reporting Form
- If found in the wild, report them using the Aquatic Nuisance Species Reporting Form or contact Matt Horton Aquatic Nuisance Species Program coordinator at 501-604-0485
AGFC asks you to dispose of any snails by double bagging with a garbage bag and taping the bag shut. If you're able, put the bag in a freezer for 24 hours then throw it away. Don't put the bag back onto the ground, ditch, pond, or any other natural environment, or keep it as a pet.
Wear gloves when handling and make sure to wash your hands with soap and water.
According to the Arkansas Code of Regulations, crawfish imported for human consumption may not be released, stocked in ponds, or used as bait.
Contact Horton or visit the AGFC website for more information on giant apple snails and other species in Arkansas.
Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.