The Deadly Parasitic Snail Feared Throughout the World Recently Spotted In North Carolina

Have you heard about the deadly parasitic snail instilling fear throughout the United States? This particular aquatic snail was recently found in North Carolina.

North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced on Monday that they had found multiple breeding toxic Apple snails along the Lumber River in Lumberton in September. These clusters of Apple snails are the first ever recorded in the state. They were first alerted by a concerned citizen who photographed suspected Apple snail eggs. It took no time for a biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission to collect samples. The samples were sent to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

So, why are they dangerous? These highly invasive South American Apple snails can cause deadly diseases in humans and pose threats to many aquatic plants. Technically, Apple snails aren’t dangerous alone, but they carry lethal parasites like rat lungworm. However, they only really pose a threat to humans when consumed raw or undercooked. Their eggs also contain a toxin that can cause skin and eye rashes. Apple snails are especially dangerous to plant species. They are grazers and consume plants quickly, destroying food and shelter for many aquatic animals. 

Apple snails in the United States aren’t anything new. There are established populations in multiple states including Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana. If you think you’ve seen an Apple snail in North Carolina, report it to the NCWRC before drowning or crushing the snail and its eggs. You can report it online by filling out an online form.

What do Apple Snails Look Like?

If you don’t know what this deadly parasitic snail looks like, you won’t be able to report a sighting. The easiest way to identify an Apple snail is by the bright pink eggs they lay. A female can lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime. She lays eggs at least every five to 14 days and in large clusters of up to 700. These bright pink eggs are often found floating on the waterline or attached to trees, plants, logs, and structures above the waterline.

Adult apple snails are large. These aquatic deadly parasitic snails are brown, and about 2 to 4 inches across. However, they can reach as wide long/wide as 6 inches. These golden-brown snails also have dark banding on their shells. Although most are yellow-brown or even golden, they come in all different colors.