Rusty Crayfish Invading Canada

(Manitoba, Canada) Canadian biologists are asking the public to be on the lookout for the rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), a brutish Ohio native that is invading Falcon Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, in southeastern Manitoba.

From the Ohio basin, the rusty crayfish likely traveled by being carried as bait by fishermen. Once established, the rusty crayfish has proven to be virtually impossible to eradicate. As an invasive species, they eat more than native, demure Canadian crayfish.

According to Water Stewardship spokeswoman Wendy Ralley, the rusty crayfish is much more aggressive.

Ralley said the area of Falcon Lake where the rusty crayfish were found no longer has any native species left.

"They will out-compete our native species by occupying their hiding spots. They'll actually physically remove our native species out of the prime hiding spots, and that makes our native species more apt to be preyed upon by predatory fish."

The new crayfish could also "severely reduce" lake and stream vegetation, leaving native fish without any cover, spawning habitat or food.

The public is being asked to never collect or transport the crayfish for any reason to help stop the spread of the bruisers. And since May 1st, it's been illegal to possess any type of crayfish in Manitoba.