IDNR reminds the public that live red swamp crayfish are invasive and illegal

Posted on June 16, 2023
The crayfish, also known as Louisiana crawfish, are the most common species used in crawfish boils. (WJBC file photo)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is warning the public about the invasive red swamp crayfish.

The crayfish, also known as Louisiana crawfish, are the most common species used in crawfish boils. It’s illegal to possess them live or ship them live to Illinois, because they are harmful to the environment says IDNR’s Brandon Fehrenbacher.

“These things are considered escape artisits. All the sudden they are in the ponds in a certain area or they get into the waterways and cause a lot of damage to the native fish populations,” said Fehrenbacher.

Fehrenbacher says you can use the red swamp crayfish in your boil but only if they come frozen or steamed. He says another problem is that they’re used as fishing bait or even released as part of a ceremony.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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