Enjoy That Summer Cookout, But Skip The Red Swamp Crayfish

Commonly Used For Crawfish Boils, Live Red Swamp Crayfish Are Highly Invasive And Illegal To Possess In Illinois

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminded the public and seafood distributors that importing and possessing live red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), also known as crawfish or Louisiana crawfish, is prohibited by law in Illinois. The crustaceans are a popular choice for live crawfish boils.

“Red swamp crayfish compete aggressively with native species for food and habitat, and they’ve been known to cause structural damage to property....