ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

AIS Prevention Tips for Anglers

PDF coming soon Recreational fishing provides both economic and social benefits to Pennsylvania. It is important that anglers take action to remove any “hitchhikers” from their equipment, boots, nets, clothing, and other gear that touched that water while fishing so that AIS are not spread to new locations. Tips for Anglers Aquatic invasive species (AIS) […]

AIS Prevention Tips for Non-motorized Boats

PDF version coming soon The non-motorized recreational community continues to grow in Pennsylvania, with many people enjoying canoeing, paddling, kayaking, and rafting. Unfortunately, non-motorized watercrafts have the potential to spread aquatic invasive species (AIS) to new waters when species attach to related equipment. Many AIS can survive out of water for five days or more, […]

AIS Prevention Tips for Waterfowl Hunters

PDF Coming soon Waterfowl hunting is a popular pastime for many Pennsylvanians, and hunting activities contribute significantly to the recreational economy. However, aquatic invasive species (AIS) like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra Mussels can threaten habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Hunters should take precautions to ensure they don’t spread plants and animals that can be […]

AIS Prevention Tips for Teachers

PDF Coming soon Many teachers bring animals into their classrooms as a way to teach students about responsibility, pet care, animal science, and more. However, most teachers and students are unaware of the impacts of disposing unwanted live animals, plants, and microorganisms into local waters, letting them go down drains, or flushing them down the […]

AIS Prevention Tips for Recreational Scuba Divers

PDF coming soon Aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as invasive mussels can attach to recreational scuba diving equipment and be accidentally transported and spread to new waterbodies. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that cause harm to the environment, the economy, and human or animal health. Preventing their spread is important […]

Mystery Snails Fact Sheet

PDF version coming soon Species at Glance Mystery Snails are large freshwater snails commonly sold for use in freshwater aquariums and garden ponds. The term “mystery snail” refers to both the Chinese Mystery Snail and the Japanese Mystery Snail, which were previously thought to be the same species. Mystery Snails are popular in the aquarium, […]

White River Crayfish Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance The White River Crayfish, also known as the White River Crawfish or the Eastern White River Crayfish, is native to parts of the United States but has been introduced beyond its natural range. Although its environmental impacts have not been extensively studied, its rapid growth, high reproductive rates, […]

Red Swamp Crayfish Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance The Red Swamp Crayfish, also known as the Louisiana Crawfish or Mudbug, is a large and aggressive crayfish that can quickly dominate lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. Often used in classrooms and as a popular food item, this highly adaptable crayfish has invaded the Great Lakes and beyond, […]

Mudmat Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a glance Mudmat is a relative newcomer to North America, only arriving in 1992. It is a low-growing, mat-forming, invasive aquatic plant that has remained largely under the radar due to its small size and the public’s lack of familiarity with it. Species Description Mudmat is characterized by tiny plants, […]

Freshwater Jellyfish Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance While similar in appearance to marine jellyfish, the Freshwater Jellyfish is considered a member of the hydra family and is not a true jellyfish. It is widespread around the world and has been in the United States since the early 1900’s. This jellyfish uses stinging cells to capture […]

ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

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