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May
2008.
A
small invader is moving into the southeast Louisiana area.
According
to the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, snails are tearing
up the vegetation in south Louisiana, going after any fresh water plant
they can get their mouths on. Scientists have gathered some live
snails to study them, and are surprised by how much they eat.
It
is the work of the Apple Snail, which has been found in local canals in
Gretna, Terrytown And Belle Chasse. The eggs, which are bright pink in
color, can simply be knocked into the water to kill them.
The
snails will even eat dead crawfish. There are concerns as to the extent of
damage they could do in Louisiana, especially in the rice fields where
crawfish are harvested. Worst of all, what could they do to our fragile
wetlands.
The
snails are originally from South America. So how did they get into our
waters you ask? Experts say that they are very popular in aquariums.
People just simply dispose of them into our waters when they decide they
no longer want them.
The
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries asks that if you no longer want
them, then simply bag them and dispose of them in the trash. DO NOT
throw them into our waterways.
They
are also collecting data on sightings to see how far the snails have
spread.
If
you spot them,
You
can call them at 225-765-2641.
or
You
can E-mail Brac Salyers at
bsalyers@wlf.louisiana.gov
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