Invasive Species
Making Themselves At Home in Wisconsin's Lakes and Landscapes

Non-native plants, animals and diseases are taking a toll on Wisconsin lakes, rivers, landscapes, as well as our recreation and economy. A new invasive species rule, Chapter NR 40, took effect September 1, 2009, that aims to keep new invaders from getting to Wisconsin in the first place, and allows the DNR to move more rapidly to contain new invasives to prevent them from getting established when they're detected.

 

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To rid Wisconsin of the red swamp crayfish, the DNR is carrying out a multi-pronged attack.
Taking on the Red Invader [VIDEO Length 3:10]

Watch Other Invasive Videos

The Newest Invader: Red Swamp Crayfish

Red swamp crayfish, an aggressive, southern crayfish that can decrease native populations of fish, frogs and crayfish, has been found in Wisconsin for the first time in a Washington County pond.

• Taking on the Red Invader [VIDEO Length 3:10]
• Invasive Red Crawfish [VIDEO Length 4:10]

• Fact Sheet: Important information about the Nov. 12 treatment for red swamp crayfish [PDF 303KB]
• Fact Sheet: Red swamp crayfish [PDF 1.09MB]
• Press release: Officials ask citizens to be on the lookout for invasive crayfish
• Press release: New invasive crayfish found in Wisconsin

People who think they have seen or caught the red swamp crayfish in southeastern Wisconsin can contact Heidi Bunk, (262) 574-2130. Elsewhere in the state, people can contact Laura Herman with the University of Wisconsin-Extension (715) 365-8998 or call the DNR hotline, 1-800-TIP-WDNR.

How You Can Help

Take these Simple Steps

Whether your passion is boating or bicycling, fishing or flowers, there are some simple steps you can take to keep from spreading unwanted species around.

Learn about the Different Species

• Plants
• Algae and Cyanobacteria
• Aquatic Invertebrates Except Crayfish
• Fish and Crayfish
• Terrestrial and Aquatic Vertebrates Except Fish
• Terrestrial Invertebrates and Plant Disease-Causing Microorganisms