Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) on Sep 18, 2021

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Suspect species, not sure of identification. This is the first day of rain after a long dry spell. Both crayfish were in the middle of the path around Delta Ponds. Both appeared healthy and were alive. Both were at least 10 to 15 feet from the nearest body of water. The path areas were wet but not saturated. The areas were shaded and the day was mostly overcast.

Commentary

Thank you for your report and apologies for the delayed response. I agree this looks like a red swamp crayfish. We have had some other reports of this species around Eugene, so this helps us determine the distribution. These populations were likely started as released fishing bait, which is prohibited in Oregon. You can learn more about crayfish in Oregon from the ODFW website, https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/invasive_species/crayfish.asp.
Best,
Lindsey

Lindsey Wise
May 23, 2022, 6:10 a.m.