These snail eggs resemble chewed bubblegum, causing significant problems in the South. Be on the lookout for these this summer!
You learn something new every day. Until today, I had never heard of the apple snail. Despite its amusing name, this creature must be taken seriously as its sting can cause severe harm.
Have you ever heard of the apple snail? Surprisingly, this peculiar snail has been present in Louisiana since 2006, first discovered in a drainage ditch in Gretna, Louisiana. The apple snail typically resides in or near bodies of water, making Louisiana an ideal habitat. Unfortunately, we don’t want these creatures here. While they aren’t poisonous, they pose a significant threat to our environment. These pests can devastate crops and often carry a parasite called a rat lungworm, which can be deadly to humans.
Typically, you’ll encounter the apple snail’s bubblegum-like eggs before seeing the snail itself. These clusters of 200-600 eggs are usually found on tree stumps near water.
If you ever encounter an apple snail or its distinctive eggs, please contact Aquatic Nuisance Species coordinator Bobby Reed at 225-765-3977.
You can see what these suckers look like below, and it’s a double-win if you’re into ASMR.
