June 26, 2026
The weird clumps of neon pink eggs that litter the shoreline of the lower Salt River may look like they come from outer-space, but these bright blobs are the result of a different kind of invasion – large, invasive snails that pose a threat to native species.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is leading the charge in surveying and eradicating highly-invasive apple snails from affected areas of the state’s waterways.
Every summer, AZGFD joins forces with partner organizations like the U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest, OdySea Aquarium, SEALIFE Aquarium, Tempe Parks and Recreation, the Phoenix Zoo’s Trailblazers and ZooTeens Program, and individual volunteers to survey and remove apple snails from local waters.
The invasive apple snails are netted, counted and removed from the river and the bright pink egg masses clustered along the banks are crushed or drowned.
By smearing or knocking the pink egg masses from shoreline vegetation and rocks, the number of young apple snails is reduced – an effective strategy in combating the species spread.
During a recent survey in June, AZGFD biologists and over 30 participants kayaked down a section of the lower Salt River to remove nearly 300 snails and destroy over 8,000 egg masses.
“Apple snails don’t belong in Arizona, but they have adapted quite well to our waters,” said Jeffrey Sorensen, AZGFD invertebrates program manager. “Our conservation partners and volunteers make all the difference in combating these invasive snails. They are a tremendous support to the department.”
Apple snails are large, freshwater snails originally from South and Central America, and Florida.
The invasive apple snail population in Arizona is the result of people illegally dumping unwanted aquarium pets into the Verde River around 2009. Since that introduction, the apple snails have become established in the lower Salt River and in the Valley’s canals and urban lakes.
One female apple snail can produce thousands of offspring every year, which can grow up to outcompete the native snails that serve as a food source for fish and wildlife. Most of the native fish, water birds, amphibians and reptiles in Arizona will not eat the apple snails, so there is little natural predation to keep the invasive species population in check.
Experts recommend washing your hands after touching any apple snails or eggs because the species is known to carry a parasite that can infect humans. AZGFD is also reminding the public not to release unwanted pets into the wild, which is illegal and causes harm to the fish and wildlife.
Invasive snail surveys are typically single-day outings involving kayaking or paddleboarding on moving water with AZGFD or personal equipment. Interested in joining AZGFD’s efforts in combatting the invasive snails? Sign up for volunteer snail surveys along the Salt River and other opportunities at volunteer.azgfd.gov.
For more information on AZGFD’s work combating invasive apple snails in Arizona– check out this video on our Youtube channel.