The New Zealand Mudsnail was first found in Putah Creek at Fishing Access #3 in October of 2003. Ken Davis, Wildlife Survey and Photo Service, is currently monitoring the spread of the NZMS in Putah Creek for the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee and monitoring the Putah South Canal for the Solano County Water Agency.
The Putah Creek Council's Stream Biomonitoring group is helping Ken to monitor the NZMS in Lower Putah Creek and is working to establish a baseline of native benthic macroinvertebrates (visible to the eye bottom-dwelling stream bugs) so that the impact of the NZMS can be quantified.
The New Zealand Mud Snails are small, measuring only 3 to 6 mm, and have brown or black cone-shaped shells with five or six whorls. They were first discovered in North America in the late 1980's in the Snake River, Idaho and Madison River, Montana.
They were first discovered in California in 2000 in the Owens River.
The NZMS reproduces asexually, it only takes one individual to become introduced into a new waterway to make an impact, and is able to survive in harsh conditions. Also, the mudsnails can readily attach themselves to boots, waders, and boats. It is important to check your shoes and recreational equipment after traveling to an infected waterway to avoid the spread of the NZMS.
Information on the NZMS:
NZMS Poster
NZMS Information Sheet
Web Links:
History of the New Zealand Mudsnail Infestation in Putah Creek (Wildlife Survey and Photo Service)
New Zealand Mudsnail (CA Department of Fish and Game)
Harmful Aquatic Hitchhikers - NZMS (Protect Your Waters)
New Zealand Mudsnail Information (City of Davis)
New Zealand Mudsnails in the Western USA (Montana State University)
Articles on the NZMS Invasion of Putah Creek:
Tiny Invaders (Sacramento Bee - November 16, 2003)
New Zealand Mud Snails Invade (San Francisco Chronicle - November 28, 2003)
Snail Invasion of Creek Widens (Davis Enterprise - April 29, 2004)
