PLANTATION, Fla. – While “the grass is greener” in Plantation, as the city logo suggests, it’s also a little pinker these days as crews continue to fight off invasive snails laying eggs by the thousands near canals.
“It’s an invasive story,” said Plantation Mayor Nick Sortal. “Same as iguanas, same as pythons and we can only do so much.”
The city is one of many across Broward County finding hundreds of bright pink egg masses, each one containing hundreds of tiny snail eggs.
They were left by Giant Apple or Island Apple Snails. The invasive and nonnative creatures are growing in size and population, with the ability to do environmental harm.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says you can dispose of the egg masses.
Wildlife experts suggest crushing them or scraping them off with a tool or while wearing gloves. The snails need to hatch and reach the water to survive.
“It’s a statewide problem and we’ve talked to the state,” said Sortal. “The state says ‘it’s an invasive species —you can only do so much.’ But we care greatly so that’s why we’re frustrated.”
The Mayor said the city has worked to scrape up the invasive eggs year after year. The snails, according to experts we interviewed during our first story believe the creatures were introduced to south Florida from South America through the pet trade or as food.
RELATED LINK: Officials warn against invasive snail species causing harm in South Florida
Dr. Nathan Dorn with the Institute of Environment and Department of Bio Sciences at FIU said you should wear gloves and wash your hands if you decide to deal with the egg masses.
As for the adults, they’re widespread all throughout Florida, and not much of a risk for people, unless eaten raw, as they may carry some parasites.
The species is considered a problem for native snails, although other species, such as the snail kite, may benefit from the presence of this species.
The main problem is they compete with local creatures, eating algae and vegetation, reproducing at a rapid rate with the ability to change many habitats and landscapes.
“There are a couple cases where they have become pests in the south Florida water management districts,” said Dorn. “Globally, it’s considered a pest. Nobody wants it moved around.”
He went on to say, however, that the creatures don’t appear to be a major problem at the moment.
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Publish date : 2024-08-05 11:58:00
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