Freeze or crush these invasive snails if you see them
The apple snail, a harmful invasive species, has been found along the Lumber River in Lumberton.
Apple Snails are most easily recognizable by their distinctive large, bright pink egg clusters.
Apple Snails are dangerous to humans because the snail can carry rat lungworm, which can cause a potentially fatal disease if the snails are eaten raw or undercooked. The snails egg masses also contain a toxin which can cause skin and eye rashes.
A person first sent a photograph of suspected Apple Snail egg clusters to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and a commission biologist collected additional samples. Tests at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences confirmed the eggs as belonging to Apple Snails, which are native to South America.
Biologists have found adult snails and eggs near the I-95 bridge crossing of the Lumber River, at the High Hill Boating Access Area, and in Fivemile Branch, a tributary to the Lumber River.
Female snails lay eggs as often as once a week, so snail colonies spread rapidly once established.
It is against the law to transport, purchase, possess, sell or stock apple snails in North Carolina.
If you see apple snails or apple snail eggs, take a photograph and report them via the Aquatic Nuisance Species Reporting Tool.
Because apple snails are invasive, NCWRC asks that people crush any egg masses and push them into the water. Adult snails can be crushed or frozen. Avoid touching the eggs with bare hands or skin,
