Central Ohio might seem like a strange place to encounter crustaceans, but Columbus residents have now reported several sightings of the invasive red swamp crayfish near bodies of water.
What’s happening?
Several people in Ohio have recently posted on Reddit to report spotting what appeared to be red swamp crayfish in yards and on patios, according to Axios Columbus.
The species can outcompete native wildlife for resources, damage vegetation, and alter water quality, putting ponds, creeks, and wetlands at risk.
The crayfish have spread beyond their native range through the pet trade and other sales channels that have since been banned. However, as Axios Columbus reported, Ohio’s clay-rich soil has made it difficult for the species to really gain a foothold in the state.
Meanwhile, the marbled crayfish species may represent a larger threat. While it has not yet established itself in Ohio, wildlife experts fear that the marbled species could be disastrous for local habitats…