CORNVILLE, Ariz. (AP) - An invasive mud snail that can disrupt the food chain has been found at a state fish hatchery in Cornville.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department says it won’t stock trout from the Page Springs Fish Hatchery until it can be sure the mud snail won’t travel with the fish.
Officials say they’re sampling more areas of the hatchery and trying to eradicate the tiny New Zealand mud snails that can compete with native snails, mussels and aquatic insects. The mud snails reproduce quickly and have no natural predators in the U.S.
The department says it found the mud snails during a routine survey for invasive species. Officials say the mud snails could have been introduced to the hatchery through wildlife around Oak Creek.
The department says it has been buying fish from out-of-state vendors to ensure trout are stocked as scheduled around the state.
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