Invasive Red Swamp Crayfish Found In Clay County Lake

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed two red swamp crayfish were found in northwestern Minnesota.

The invasive species were found in Tilde Lake in Clay County.

According to the DNR, the crayfish compete with native species for habitat, as well as eat small aquatic animals like snails and tadpoles.

The crayfish burrow under the lakebed, making them difficult to find. However, DNR officials are actively searching for more species.

The two live crayfish have been removed.

It is the first time red swamp crayfish have been found in a Minnesota lake.