Lethal invasive snails in North Carolina have been identified in Lumberton along the Lumber River, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Known as Apple Snails, these are the first-known population in the Tar Heel State. Why can’t they live here? The problem with invasive species is they sneak away resources from the native species, therefore disrupting the natural ecological processes. They are also harmful to humans. A citizen first reported some egg clusters to the NCWRC, and upon inspection, the siting was confirmed.

Additional surveys by an NCWRC biologist found adult snails and their eggs near the I-95 bridge crossing of the Lumber River.
Indy beetle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
They were also found at the High Hill Boating Access Area and in Fivemile Branch, a Lumber River tributary.
Their bright, pink egg masses are difficult to miss.
N.C. Wildllife Resources Commission
You'll find them along the edges of streams, rivers, or ponds on flat surfaces right above the water, such as on tree trunks, branches, concrete, or plants.
And folks may also come across the Apple Snails with their eggs, laid as often as once a week, meaning these creatures multiply fast.
N.C. Wildllife Resources Commission
As they are hatched, the baby snails drop into the water where they mature into adulthood.

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Another way to spot them is by their size which is much larger than any North Carolina native, aquatic species.
N.C. Wildllife Resources Commission
They grow from 2 to 6 inches.
Apple Snails can damage plants and rob resources from many native species.
YourWorldExplorer, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
They have also been observed feeding on amphibian eggs.
But if you come face-to-face with one of these, we don't want you to be a hero. Stay clear, because they can also bring harm to humans.
CHUCAO, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The snails' egg masses carry a toxin that can cause skin and eye rashes, and they also may carry a scary rat lungworm, which can cause a potentially fatal disease if the snails are eaten raw or undercooked.

For more information about the lethal invasive snails in North Carolina, visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission website. Citizens are asked to report Apple Snail sitings on the Aquatic Nuisance Species Reporting Tool and to please share the location and a photograph.

In the meantime, discover why Lumber River State Park is perfect for North Carolina nature lovers. And if you are into crafting, you can purchase some cleaned Apple Snail shells on Etsy.

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Lumber River State Park, 2819 Princess Ann Rd, Orrum, NC 28369, USA