If you’ve seen a Rusty Crayfish at a Kansas lake, the Department of Wildlife and Parks wants to know about it.
Rusty Crayfish have large, black-tipped claws and rust-colored spots on the upper shell. They are an invasive species known for “considerable ecological damage,” according to the department. Rusty Crayfish were recently discovered at McPherson State Fishing Lake as part of a special university study, and Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Chris Steffen says there were two likely ways it got into that lake.
Steffen says it’s important to drain all water from boats, livewells and bilges before leaving bodies of water and never move bait from one area to another.
The initial population included males and females of different ages, meaning the population is established and likely reproducing. It was also discovered in the second lake KDWP surveyed.
There is no current word on whether other lakes are affected. Once the current project is done, Wildlife and Parks plans to survey another 30 to 50 lakes, and Steffen says more lakes could be added later.
Rusty Crayfish are aggressive, attacking the feet of unsuspecting people and animals, and they eventually outcompete native fish and crayfish for food.
If you find a Rusty Crayfish, freeze it in a sealed plastic bag, note the date and location of capture, and call the Emporia research office at 620-342-0658. The mailing address is 1830 Merchant, ZIP code 66801.
