On July 9, White Earth Nation and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers responded to a report that faucet snails had been discovered in a container of leeches purchased at a bait shop in the Otter Tail/Becker County area.
Officials including White Earth conservation officers, White Earth aquatic invasive species personnel, DNR conservation officers and DNR aquatic invasive species specialists immediately began inspections to trace the origin of the leech source. A series of small ponds that are used for leeching and duck hunting were sampled.
After sampling, faucet snails were found in several ponds located on tribal and non-tribal lands in the area. In an effort to prevent the further spread of faucet snails, White Earth officials have temporarily closed the infested tribal land ponds to public access and leeching until further investigations are completed. Additional inspections are underway.
White Earth Natural Resources and the DNR are asking that all leech harvesters, bait dealers and anglers, tribal and non-Indians, thoroughly inspect their leeching equipment, boating equipment and bait containers for faucet snails, as well as any other aquatic invasive species, to further prevent their spread.
“People should be aware that even a small amount of water can transport invasive species,” said Nathan Olson, DNR aquatic invasive species specialist. “By law, anglers must dump their bait water before leaving accesses or shoreline property. With regards to leech water, we suggest that they dump it on shore away from the water’s edge and if they find aquatic species other than leeches in the leech water while they are out on the lake, they should avoid throwing it in the lake.”
The faucet snail is an aquatic snail native to Europe that was introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1870s. Presently, the faucet snail is classified as an unlisted non-native species and introduction into the wild is illegal. Because of its potential impacts to waterfowl, the DNR is currently in the process of designating the faucet snail as a prohibited invasive species, which means importation, possession, transport and sale will also be prohibited.
All previously known waters containing faucet snails, such as Lake Winnibigoshish, have been designated as infested waters. The newly discovered waters and any connecting streams will be designated infested by the end of July.
Once any water is designated as infested, a permit is required for all commercial harvest of bait or transport of water from the infested water body. Individual bait harvest is prohibited.
Impacts: Faucet snails carry a parasite that is known to cause mortality in ducks and coots. Infected birds appear lethargic and have difficulty diving and flying before eventually dying. Faucet snails also compete with native snails, and may clog water intake pipes and other submerged equipment. There is no evidence that other wildlife besides waterfowl, including any fish species, are adversely affected by faucet snails. Anglers can eat fish from infested waters without worry of the parasite. Faucet snails are not known to be co-hosts for the swimmers itch fluke.
Where to look: Faucet snails are found on rocky shorelines, river and lake bottoms, aquatic plants, docks, and other objects placed in the water.
Means of spread: They can spread by attaching to aquatic plants, boats, anchors, decoy anchors, other recreational gear and equipment placed in the water. Some movement by waterbirds may also spread this invasive to new waters.
How to identify it: Faucet snails are difficult for non-specialists to conclusively identify. Native snail species and young non-native mystery snails could look similar to faucet snails. Adult faucet snails can grow up to 1/2 inch in length, but are generally smaller. They are light brown to black, with 4 to 5 whorls and a cover on the shell opening. The shell opening is on the right when the shell pointed up. Specimens of suspected snails should be submitted to the White Earth Natural Resources or the DNR Invasive Species Program for identification.
How you can help Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers:
• Clean off aquatic plants, animals and mud from boats and equipment before transporting from one water body to another.
• Drain all water from bilge, livewell, motor, ballast tanks and portable bait containers before leaving water accesses or shoreline property.
• Remove the drain plug, open water draining devises, and drain bilges and live wells; the drain plug must be removed or open when transporting a boat on public roads.
• Dry/spray It is also recommended that people spray or rinse boats with high pressure and/or hot (120F) water, or let them dry thoroughly for five days before transporting to another body of water.
• Boaters are also reminded of the new law that went into effect July 1, 2012, regarding boat lifts and docks:
• A boat lift, dock, swim raft or associated equipment that has been removed from any water body may not be placed in another water body until a minimum of 21 days have passed.
More information about aquatic invasive species is available at www.mndnr.gov/ais.
A list of infested waters can be found at http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/infested_waters.pdf. An updated list with the new designations will be available soon.
White Earth Nation will be hosting an educational training session on Aquatic Invasive Species for all leech and wild rice harvesters in the near future.
