By Sarah Hale

Star Valley Independent

Despite efforts to crack down on the transfer of aquatic invasive species, New Zealand Mudsnails have made their way to Star Valley.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently confirmed new findings of New Zealand Mudsnails in both the North Platte River near Casper and the Salt River south of Alpine.

According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, New Zealand Mudsnails are “non-native snails that pose some issues for fisheries. They can alter water chemistry through filter feeding and reproduce at rapid rates. They crowd out habitat suited for stoneflies, caddisflies and other insects that are important food for trout. The New Zealand mudsnail is able to shield itself from toxins in the water, making chemical eradication of the species impossible.”

“New Zealand Mudsnails are easily transported on waders and drift boats,” said Eric Hansen, Game and Fish AIS specialist in Casper. “Not taking the time to Clean, Drain, Dry between waters likely led to these new infestations.”

According to the Game and Fish, the state’s AIS program focuses on “intercepting invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels from out of state.” However, this recent confirmatio “is a good reminder for water users traveling to different waters within Wyoming that they must also Clean, Drain and Dry to prevent moving harmful species like New Zealand mudsnails and curly pondweed.”

“Complacency will not prevent the further spread of these damaging organisms,” said Hansen. “It will take action, concern, and care for our fisheries and recreation waters to stop an even more rapid escalation of invasive species in the future. Realizing that a simple task like cleaning your equipment, draining all standing water no matter how minimal and drying everything after each use will help exponentially in slowing the progress of these unwanted, water spoiling invaders.”

According to the Game and Fish, the department “will continue to monitor the population and conduct further sampling to determine the breadth of the infestation.”