Why Aren’t We Eating THis West Michigan Invasive Species?

Usually, when we're talking about invasive species in Michigan, they're ugly creatures and not great for the environment. They usually consume resources that make them unappetizing, and sometimes, they really just aren't any good for you to eat, so you just end up killing them off.

But that's not the case with this invasive species that's taking over swampy areas in Kalamazoo County, and I've got a tasty way we can not only control the population, but bring the neighborhoods all together as well.

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The "Red Swamp Crayfish" is actually a native to Louisiana. For those who have never seen one in person, they kinda look like mini lobsters, crossed with prawns. They're more or less big pinchy-water bugs, and if you're not used to living around them, they can be a pest.

But if you're from the south... that's a delicacy.

How Did Crayfish Get to Michigan?

It's unclear HOW they got here, but the first time they were officially documented in Michigan was near Sunset Lake in Vicksburg in 2017. My guess is, someone brought some back from a trip to the south for a boil, and a few got free. (It happens.)

From there, the Crayfish have spread through the waterways into Calhoun, and Barry Counties. Many groups have been working together on how to eliminate them, and prevent further spread into the state.

How do You Get Ride of Crayfish?

Members of the Invasive Species Management Group in the region have a simple plan to remove them from the environment - Walk the waterways, pick them up, and take them away.

That's it.

Apparently they're finding close to 100 every two weeks, and have done so with nets, spears, and minnow traps.

Now, there are crayfish that are native to Michigan. The White River Crayfish and the Calico Crayfish are no stranger to the Great Lakes area, but are much smaller than the invasive Red Swamp Crayfish, and far less intimidating.

They also aren't as good to eat.

But here's the deal, Conservationists want to get RID of the crayfish, when I think we can find a better way to not only get them, but dispose of them as well. Because, in Louisiana, where they're from, the Red Swamp Crayfish are the best eating when it comes to a "crawfish boil." And lemme tell you, if you've never attend one of these shindigs, then get down to Louisiana as soon as possible to have it.

AND, it could be a fun activity for our communities. Gather everyone up, send them out into the waterways to pick up and collect the crayfish, or "crawdads," and bring them back to wherever we're holding this shindig.

Then, once we've collected enough, fire up the pot, drop in the spices, the corn, sausage, okra, potatoes, and whatever else you want to eat with your crawdads, then put'em in the bucket and boil them up.

There is no better community gathering in the south than when someone hosts a crawfish boil, and in times like we are in now, when people feel so divided, something to bring the communities together would be excellent.

Now, this is not an official recommendation. In fact, it's really just me dreaming about being back at a crawfish boil with my friends and family in Louisiana. I have no idea if these "crawdads" are gonna taste just as good. But you won't know unless you try, right?