Invasive mudsnails detected in Kent County, Michigan

Overview

Updated 4 days ago

Michigan officials have confirmed the New Zealand mudsnail in Bear Creek, a coldwater tributary of the Thornapple River in Kent County. It is the first detection of the invasive snail in southern Lower Michigan, about 75 miles south of the closest known infestation.

State biologists plan more sampling in Barry, Kent and Ionia counties and genetic testing through Oakland University to find the source. The snail, about one-eighth of an inch long, can produce more than 200 young a year, and researchers have documented densities of 300,000 per square meter in some Western waterways. No effective treatment exists, so officials are asking boaters and anglers to clean, drain and dry gear between waters.

Where else it is This New Zealand snail has turned up in 23 states since 1987 Interactive mapExplore ↓

Why it matters

If the mudsnail spreads, it could disrupt food webs and damage Michigan's outdoor recreation economy.

Where else it is

This New Zealand snail has turned up in 23 states since 1987

USGS first recorded it in Idaho in 1987, in New York in 1991 and in Michigan in 2010. Drag the years to watch it spread, or tap your state.

23 of 51 had a record by 2026

USGS has a recordNo USGS record

1987–2026

2021 DE: USGS has a record
2019 NM: USGS has a record
2019 SD: USGS has a record
2018 NJ: USGS has a record
2017 MD: USGS has a record
2010 IN: USGS has a record

Tap a state to read its rule.

This New Zealand snail has turned up in 23 states since 1987
State	Status, 2026	Changes	Note	Source
Alaska	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Maine	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Wisconsin	USGS has a record	2005: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2005, latest 2022, in 6 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Vermont	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New Hampshire	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Washington	USGS has a record	2000: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2000, latest 2026, in 19 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Idaho	USGS has a record	1987: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1987, latest 2022, in 27 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Montana	USGS has a record	1995: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1995, latest 2021, in 11 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
North Dakota	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Minnesota	USGS has a record	2005: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2005, latest 2020, in 2 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Illinois	USGS has a record	2006: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2006, latest 2021, in 2 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Michigan	USGS has a record	2010: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2010, latest 2023, in 9 drainages. The 2026 Kent County find is newer than that.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New York	USGS has a record	1991: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1991, latest 2024, in 5 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Massachusetts	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Oregon	USGS has a record	1997: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1997, latest 2026, in 27 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Nevada	USGS has a record	2001: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2001, latest 2022, in 6 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Wyoming	USGS has a record	1996: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1996, latest 2023, in 10 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
South Dakota	USGS has a record	2019: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2019, latest 2019, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Iowa	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Indiana	USGS has a record	2010: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2010, latest 2010, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Ohio	USGS has a record	2006: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2006, latest 2019, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Pennsylvania	USGS has a record	2005: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2005, latest 2026, in 15 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New Jersey	USGS has a record	2018: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2018, latest 2024, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Connecticut	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Rhode Island	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
California	USGS has a record	2000: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2000, latest 2026, in 57 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Utah	USGS has a record	2001: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2001, latest 2022, in 18 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Colorado	USGS has a record	2003: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2003, latest 2026, in 17 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Nebraska	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Missouri	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Kentucky	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
West Virginia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Virginia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Maryland	USGS has a record	2017: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2017, latest 2021, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Delaware	USGS has a record	2021: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2021, latest 2021, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Arizona	USGS has a record	2002: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2002, latest 2024, in 11 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New Mexico	USGS has a record	2019: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2019, latest 2025, in 2 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Kansas	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Arkansas	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Tennessee	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
North Carolina	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
South Carolina	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
District of Columbia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Oklahoma	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Louisiana	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Mississippi	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Alabama	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Georgia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Hawaii	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Texas	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Florida	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1

This New Zealand snail has turned up in 23 states since 1987
State	Status, 2026	Changes	Note	Source
Alaska	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Maine	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Wisconsin	USGS has a record	2005: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2005, latest 2022, in 6 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Vermont	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New Hampshire	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Washington	USGS has a record	2000: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2000, latest 2026, in 19 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Idaho	USGS has a record	1987: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1987, latest 2022, in 27 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Montana	USGS has a record	1995: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1995, latest 2021, in 11 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
North Dakota	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Minnesota	USGS has a record	2005: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2005, latest 2020, in 2 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Illinois	USGS has a record	2006: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2006, latest 2021, in 2 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Michigan	USGS has a record	2010: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2010, latest 2023, in 9 drainages. The 2026 Kent County find is newer than that.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New York	USGS has a record	1991: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1991, latest 2024, in 5 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Massachusetts	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Oregon	USGS has a record	1997: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1997, latest 2026, in 27 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Nevada	USGS has a record	2001: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2001, latest 2022, in 6 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Wyoming	USGS has a record	1996: USGS has a record	First USGS record 1996, latest 2023, in 10 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
South Dakota	USGS has a record	2019: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2019, latest 2019, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Iowa	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Indiana	USGS has a record	2010: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2010, latest 2010, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Ohio	USGS has a record	2006: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2006, latest 2019, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Pennsylvania	USGS has a record	2005: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2005, latest 2026, in 15 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New Jersey	USGS has a record	2018: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2018, latest 2024, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Connecticut	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Rhode Island	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
California	USGS has a record	2000: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2000, latest 2026, in 57 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Utah	USGS has a record	2001: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2001, latest 2022, in 18 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Colorado	USGS has a record	2003: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2003, latest 2026, in 17 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Nebraska	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Missouri	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Kentucky	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
West Virginia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Virginia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Maryland	USGS has a record	2017: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2017, latest 2021, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Delaware	USGS has a record	2021: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2021, latest 2021, in 1 drainage.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Arizona	USGS has a record	2002: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2002, latest 2024, in 11 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
New Mexico	USGS has a record	2019: USGS has a record	First USGS record 2019, latest 2025, in 2 drainages.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Kansas	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Arkansas	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Tennessee	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
North Carolina	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
South Carolina	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
District of Columbia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Oklahoma	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Louisiana	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Mississippi	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Alabama	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Georgia	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Hawaii	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Texas	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1
Florida	No USGS record		No record in USGS's nonindigenous species table.	USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1

As of 2026-11-03. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species fact sheet, Table 1: first and latest year of a record in each state. A first record is not proof of arrival, and a record does not mean the snail lives there now. No row in the table = no record. DC counts as a state. Drainages = USGS hydrologic units. Sources: USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, New Zealand mudsnail fact sheet, Table 1.

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Key Indicators

1/8 inch

Snail length

The mudsnail is about one-eighth of an inch long.

300,000

Max documented density

Researchers have documented up to 300,000 snails per square meter in some Western waterways, not in Bear Creek.

1987

First US detection

First found in southern Idaho in 1987.

75 miles

Distance from closest known infestation

Bear Creek is about 75 miles south of the closest known mudsnail infestation.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Organizations Involved

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

State Agency

Received photos and samples of the snails for confirmation

State agency responsible for environmental protection and invasive species management.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

State natural resources agency

Confirmed the Bear Creek detection and asked boaters to watch for invasive snails

State agency that manages Michigan's natural resources and reported the New Zealand mudsnail detection in Bear Creek.

Timeline

2 events Latest: November 2nd, 2026 · 1 week ago

November 2026
Invasive mudsnail detected in Kent County
Latest Detection

Local news reports the New Zealand mudsnail found in Kent County, prompting a call for public help to prevent spread.
November 2nd, 2026
DNR confirms mudsnail in Bear Creek
Detection

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported the New Zealand mudsnail in Bear Creek, a Thornapple River tributary in Kent County. It is the first detection in southern Lower Michigan, about 75 miles south of the closest known infestation.
November 2nd, 2026

Scenarios

Mudsnail contained to Kent County

Possible Resolves by Nov 2, 2027

Discussed by: State officials

If residents follow cleaning protocols and the snail is confined to its current location, no new detections will occur in other Michigan waterways. This would require widespread compliance with boat and gear cleaning.

Mudsnail spreads to other Michigan rivers

Likely Resolves by Nov 2, 2027

Discussed by: Aquatic invasive species experts

If the snail is transported on contaminated gear, it could establish in new rivers and streams. The snail's ability to reproduce asexually makes a single introduction enough to start a population.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1988

Zebra mussel invasion of the Great Lakes (1988)

Zebra mussels were first detected in Lake St. Clair in 1988. They spread rapidly across the Great Lakes, clogging water intake pipes and disrupting food webs.

Then

Governments spent billions on control and prevention.

Now

Zebra mussels permanently altered the ecology of the Great Lakes and led to stricter ballast water regulations.

Why this matters now

The mudsnail could follow a similar path if not contained, highlighting the importance of early detection and public cooperation.

1987-present

New Zealand mudsnail in the American West (1987-present)

The New Zealand mudsnail was first found in southern Idaho in 1987. It has since spread to rivers across the western United States, where it can reach densities that outcompete native invertebrates.

Then

Fisheries managers noted declines in native snail and insect populations.

Now

The snail became a permanent fixture in many western watersheds, with control efforts limited to slowing its spread.

Why this matters now

The western experience shows how quickly the snail can colonize new waters and why Michigan officials are asking for immediate action.

Sources

(8)

Invasive mudsnails detected in Kent County, Michigan

Overview

This New Zealand snail has turned up in 23 states since 1987

Questions about this story

Key Indicators

Related Media

Voices

Generating Voice

Organizations Involved

Timeline

Invasive mudsnail detected in Kent County

DNR confirms mudsnail in Bear Creek

Scenarios

Mudsnail contained to Kent County

Mudsnail spreads to other Michigan rivers

Historical Context

Zebra mussel invasion of the Great Lakes (1988)

New Zealand mudsnail in the American West (1987-present)

Sources

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