Giant Apple Snails Found in Live Crawfish Shipments in Arkansas

Have you heard that Giant apple snails are being found in live crawfish shipments to Arkansas and Louisiana?

Giant Apple Snail

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the state has been put on high alert as the Giant apple snail an invasive species has been turning up in Arkansas. These snails are dangerous to the ecosystem and can overpopulate the state and outcompete other native aquatic organisms for food and habitat rather quickly, according to a report released by KATV.

As reported the Giant apple snails made their way to the U.S. in the late 1980s after being discovered in South America. The snails were first seen in Florida and eventually made their way to Texas, Arizona, and now Arkansas.

That's a Big Snail

Giant apple snails have not yet been found in the wild in Arkansas, but have been established in Louisiana for many years. However, they are being found mainly in live crawfish shipments in the state but If they were to make it into the wild they would pose not only an economic threat but an aquatic danger as they would begin to populate by laying between 1,500 to 2,000 pink eggs. This species is the largest freshwater snail and can grow anywhere from 2-4 inches with the largest growing up to 6 inches tall.

It's well documented that these snails are known to feed on rice crops and Arkansas is the #1 rice producer in the United States and this could affect the rice industry if they get established.

The Giant apple snails also carry a parasite that could make a person sick if eating contaminated produce and is harmful to animals.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission warns if you are planning a crawfish boil make sure and check your bags for any snails before cooking them, the fish is still safe to eat after they are cooked properly. Find out how to dispose of an apple snail if you find one here.