The apple snail, native to South America, is an invasive species that’s been documented in states around the country, and in Europe and Asia. For the first time, state officials say the snails have been found in North Carolina. 

Snails and their eggs were found in the Lumber River in Lumberton in September, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The aquatic snails can grow up to 6 inches long.

“Apple snail grazing habits can damage plants used by many native aquatic species, and they have even been observed feeding on amphibian eggs,” the Wildlife Commission said in a news release. 

The big snails can also be dangerous to humans. Adults may carry a disease called “rat lungworm,” which could potentially be fatal to humans if the snails are eaten raw or undercooked. The snail’s bright pink egg clusters, deposited on rocks and trees on the sides of streams, contain a toxin that can cause eye and skin rashes.

If anyone spots the snails or their eggs, wildlife officials ask people to take a picture and record the location before killing the snail or eggs. People can report sightings of the snails and eggs with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Reporting Tool. 

“Egg masses can be destroyed by crushing them and scraping them into the water with any implement such as a stick or a boat paddle, making sure the eggs sink, while avoiding touching them with bare skin,” the Wildlife Commission said. “Adult snails can be destroyed by crushing or freezing.”  

The female snails can lay eggs as often as once a week. That means the population, once established, can grow and spread quickly.

A survey by wildlife officials found the snails in the Lumber River at the Interstate 95 bridge, near the High Hill Boating Access Area and on a tributary called Fivemile Branch.

The apple snail is similar to another species, the mystery snail, which is also invasive in North Carolina. Apple snail shells are circular and rounded, but the mystery snail has a pointed shell, according to the Wildlife Commission.