The Australian redclaw crayfish, an invasive species, has been spotted in Southern Texas, far from its home in Australia and Papua New Guinea. This has raised concerns among local environmental officials about its potential threat to wildlife and ecosystems. The crayfish was first reported in the U.S. in 2013 and recent sightings in Texas have prompted investigations into their spread in the Rio Grande Valley. Researchers are still trying to determine how far they have spread and the potential impact. The crayfish are not harmful to humans but can outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystems. They can also carry diseases that could infect local crayfish populations. While edible and commonly farmed in Australia, it is unlikely that there are enough in Texas waters for consumption. The spread of the crayfish is believed to be a result of aquarium dumping, where well-meaning owners release pets into the wild, unknowingly introducing invasive species. Texas Parks and Wildlife advises reporting any sightings to help track and manage the spread of the crayfish.
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