Invasive Faucet snails have been discovered in Elton Creek in Langlade county and the DNR hopes stream users help keep the critter from spreading.
DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Bob Wakeman say the Faucet snails out-compete native snails. While some people might think this is a small problem, Wakeman says the snails could mean bigger problems for other species...
"....there are a couple of parasites associated with the Faucet snail. These parasites have been known to kill waterfowl. If a duck or goose consumes the Faucet snail, that snail has the parasite in it, the parasite is able to do in the waterfowl...."
Wakeman says the snail almost certainly was transported there by human activity. Wakeman says people recreating in any water body should inspect their gear for animals, plants, mud, water and debris and remove anything that shouldn't be there. He says it will be up to citizens to make sure invasive species don't spread.
