Invasive Asian snails discovered in Georgia’s Lake Lanier
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An invasive species of snail has been found in Lake Lanier, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The department said Chinese/Japanese mystery snails were recently found in Lake Lanier. Native to East Asia, the U.S. Geological Survey said the snails first appeared in the United States in the 1800s.
Chinese mystery snails and Japanese mystery snails are considered two different species, Cipangopaludina chinensis and Cipangopaludina japonica, respectively.
MORE | Augusta pet shelter working on a plan to cut its kill rate
After being called out last week for having the highest kill rate in the state, the Augusta animal shelter wants to change.
Chinese mystery snails can be up to 2½ inches in length. Their shells are narrower at the top compared to Japanese mystery snails and they often have seven to eight whorls.
Japanese mystery snails can be up to 2½ inches in length with a wider shell and six to seven whorls.
The Department of Natural Resources said the snails were found while “officials were conducting routine sampling of the lake.” The department also said the snails have been found in other waterways within Georgia.
WATCH | News 12 FIRST ALERT Hurricane Special
Our News 12 special focuses on hurricane season and how you can be prepared. You can watch it online.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Jim Page said, “While we cannot say with absolute certainty how this invasive snail was introduced into Lake Lanier, its presence in various food markets within the U.S. and its popularity as a pet for some aquarium owners are at least two possible sources.”
Page said recent regulatory changes prohibit people from having live mystery snails in Georgia.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
