Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

name Eric
grade other
location OH

Question - Hello and first of all let me say that I am very happy
about the work you do! Growing up as a kid in VA. crayfish was our past
time we had hundreds of
them, but now they are very hard to find.
What is that I can do to help protect the crayfish in my area?
---------------------------------------
Thanks for wanting to help out these amazing animals! One thing that
crayfish need is mud to burrow into by a wet area, like a creek or a stream.
Many times when waterways become polluted it will decrease the number of
species that live there...like the crayfish. Perhaps this is happening where
you live. Another problem could be a lack of food supply. My advice to you
would be to talk to your local DNR (division of natural resources) and ask
what their statistics are on the crayfish in your area. If indeed they are
decreasing in number, you can see if they have any programs running or know
of any organizations who might be involved in helping out the crayfish.
Perhaps their might be a group cleaning up waterways that you could join
which would help not only the crayfish, but also many other local species.
Good luck!

Grace Fields
========================================================