Aquatic Invasive Species
Red Swamp Crayfish Containment and Control
About The Project
- Start Date
- 06/01/2009
- Status
- ACTIVE
- Additional Information
- Invasive Red Crayfish [VIDEO Length 4:10]
- Red Swamp Crayfish Factsheet
- Press release: Officials ask citizens to be on the lookout for invasive crayfish
- Press release: New invasive crayfish found in Wisconsin
- Video: To rid Wisconsin of the red swamp crayfish, the DNR is carrying out a multi-pronged attack.
WDNR Photo
In late summer 2009, a new invasive crayfish that can harm native fish, frog and crayfish populations was found in a private pond in Germantown, Wisconsin. The red swamp crayfish, which is native to the southern U.S., is commonly used in the restaurant industry and by teachers in their classrooms. The pathway by which it reached Wisconsin is unknown.
A response team of experts and partners was quickly established to contain and control this isolated population with the goal of eradicating it completely. DNR and UW-Madison staff have done extensive trapping, removing well over 1000 crayfish. Fencing was also installed to contain the crayfish, and nearby waters were monitored to determine if any spread had occurred.
DNR staff have kept the public informed of this situation through media releases, signs at the pond, an electronic fact sheet, and a short video documenting the work being done.
Response team members are currently exploring options for chemical treatment to further control the crayfish population.
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