Exotic Critter Invading Wetlands

An exotic critter has invaded some of our wetlands. We're talking about Island Apple Snails from South America. They were noticed at Mobile's Langan Park Lake more than a year ago. But, what environmental officials feared would happen has become a reality. The snails have moved into 3 Mile Creek threatening not only Gulf Coast wildlife but also you and I, "they do have a potential human health risk. They carry a parasite, a trematode in their body. If you were to ingest that you could get a pretty, pretty nasty intestinal disease from eating these snails or handling them excessively, so, you know, don't pick these critters up, make sure if you do, you wash your hands," said David Armstrong with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Environmental officials need your help getting rid of the snails. They're going to start doing that Saturday morning. If you would like to help out call the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at (251) 626-5153 or Mobile Bay Keepers at (251) 433-4229.