Could This New Species Soon Show Up In Montana Waterways?

Don't panic, there isn't some strange new species lurking in Montana waterways waiting to attack.  No, this isn't about a new clandestine assault on some unsuspecting floaters along one of those waterways either.

But I can bet that you have probably handled one, maybe even been challenged, or "double dog dared" to let one snuggle your finger.

And while they are a relative of those we find outside, we won't find these in the wilds as of yet.  How long will it be before we do though?

New Science Research Shows An Entirely New Species Under Our Noses

The crayfish is common in many rivers and streams across Montana.  Often referred to as crawfish or crawdad, they are relatively harmless, unless, of course, you do get that challenge to let them grab ahold of any appendage on your body.  That aside, they are also common as ornamental pets in a fish tank.

But recently, it was revealed in the journal Zootaxa and reported by The Miami Herald that at some point, a new species has been introduced into the legal pet trade, unbeknownst to anyone.

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Will Montana Turn Into A Florida With Pets Turned Pests?

Well, probably not.  The inundation of the snake in Florida wouldn't even begin to compare with this little guy getting into the waterways.  Or so it would seem.  One only needs to look at the scale of damage a snail can do to a waterway.  Personally, I don't see it becoming a problem with the steel blue crayfish.  Do you?  Let us know in the comments of our social media, the appchat feature or email me here.