Invasive Mudsnails Found in Michigan's Bear Creek
Volunteers spotted New Zealand mudsnails in Kent County, the first confirmed detection of the species in southern Michigan.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Environmental
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Invasive New Zealand mudsnails were found in Bear Creek, a tributary of the Thornapple River in Kent County, Michigan. Volunteers with the Coldwater River Watershed Council spotted the snails, and experts from Oakland University and Trout Unlimited confirmed the find.
Why it matters
The snails reproduce by cloning, and with few natural predators in North America their populations can grow quickly. High snail densities can leave less food for other stream invertebrates, affecting the stream ecosystem.
Mudsnails grow to about one-eighth of an inch long and are brownish black, with all individuals female and producing complete embryos without fertilization. Genetic testing from Oakland University is pending to determine how the population arrived.
The players
Oakland University
A public research university in Rochester, Michigan, whose experts confirmed the mudsnail identification and are preparing genetic testing on samples.
Trout Unlimited
A conservation organization focused on protecting cold-water fisheries and their watersheds, whose experts helped confirm the mudsnails.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
The state agency responsible for environmental protection in Michigan, which received photos and samples of the snails for confirmation.
The details
Volunteers sent photos and samples to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which received them for confirmation. Established populations already exist in the Au Sable, Boardman, Grass, Pere Marquette, Pine and Upper Manistee rivers, and New Zealand mudsnails were first found in Michigan in 2015.
Timeline
2015: New Zealand mudsnails first found in Michigan.
November 2, 2026: Mudsnails found in Bear Creek, Kent County.
Invasive Spread
The Kent County detection extends the spread of New Zealand mudsnails that were first found in Michigan in 2015 and now occupy several northern rivers. It marks the species' first confirmed appearance in southern Michigan.
Anglers and paddlers in Michigan should clean, drain and dry boots, boats and gear before moving between waterways to avoid spreading the snails. Residents who spot unusual snails in streams can report them to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
The takeaway
Preventing the spread of invasive species depends on everyday habits, so cleaning gear between streams is one of the most effective steps anglers and outdoor users can take. Early reporting by volunteers helped identify this population quickly.
Further reading
For more on how invasive species reshape waterways, explore Environmental coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOODTV.
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