Invasive Species on Horn Pond
On Horn Pond, we are very fortunate to have a low number of invasive species when compared to other lakes in Maine and New Hampshire. However, we still have non-native species that pose a threat to our lake’s ecosystem.
Chinese Mystery Snail
The Chinese Mystery Snail is a large freshwater snail with gills that is Native to Eastern Asia (with an indigenous habitat zone ranging from Vietnam to Northern China). It first appeared in food markets in California in the 1800s. From there, it reached Boston by 1915. It has since rapidly spread to many major and minor freshwater bodies across Northern America.
The Chinese Mystery Snail poses a number of problems to the ecosystem and health of Horn Pond. Chinese Mystery snails have been well documented to transmit diseases to other aquatic animals, such as fish and turtles. They also may clog delicate water ways, such as small man-made tunnels used to pass water under roadways. On occasion, they have been known to transmit digestional diseases to humans if consumed. Finally, in the case of a large die-off, they can foul beaches and shoreline.
If you find a Chinese Mystery Snail, remove it from the Lake if possible and dispose of it far away from a body of water. Contact the Maine and/or New Hampshire Environmental Department right away.
Although their is only one confirmed invasive species that are currently populates Horn Pond, the threat that other species that pose a much greater danger to our ecosystem is greater than ever. To learn more about invasive species removal on the lake and other species that may infect Horn Pond, visit the Invasive Species Removal Tab.