Taking on invasive species

It’s hard to believe that a few classroom pets could be a credible threat to the Great Lakes. And yet, that may be how the Louisiana swamp crayfish has snuck into the Chicago River and other freshwater bodies around the world.

Turns out, the crustacean makes a great animal for young students—right up until the end of the year when teachers are faced with a difficult dilemma.

“When you no longer need the pet in the classroom, it’s really hard to explain to the students that now we’re going to humanely dispose of this crayfish,” said Reuben Keller, PhD, a freshwater ecologist and an assistant professor in Loyola’s Institute of Environmental Sustainability. “It’s much easier to find a local creek.” Continue reading.