Department of Natural Resources conservation officers seized more than 2,000 pounds of live, illegal red swamp crayfish from southeastern Michigan.
Red swamp crayfish are prohibited in both Michigan and Canada. DNR officials say crayfish burrow and create shoreline erosion, creating instability.
Officers in St. Clair County were notified July 13 that a commercial hauler transporting red swamp crayfish was denied entry into Canada and would be returning to Michigan.
Conservation officers stopped the truck and obtained 55 bags of live crayfish. Officers say the truck originated from Canada and made stops in Arkansas and Maryland to pick up cargo before attempting to return to Canada.
“Our officers have great working relationships with professional law enforcement partners across the U.S. and Canada. This is a fine example of how important those relationships are in protecting Michigan’s natural resources,” said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division.
