Signal Crayfish

On September 16th, this Signal Crayfish was found in Schorne Lane. It may have come from the pond, or from somewhere else in the village. Either way, there may be others.

If you think you have seen or found one, please take note of what Rob Skinner, RSPCA Chief Inspector for Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, says:

"The Signal Crayfish is a non-indigenous species from Western United States that has been released into our native streams, ponds and rivers. It is larger and more agressive than our native, White-clawed Crayfish, and it carries Crayfish plague. It is now widespread in Southern England and is decimating the native poulation and could lead to the total extinction of our native species.

"Once they are in the water they are very difficult to get rid of, so please if anybody finds another one, do not carry them to the nearest pond and release them. If anybody is unsure what species it is you can contact me at the RSPCA Centre at Blackberry Farm Animal Centre – 0300 123 0752 – and I will identify it and return it if native or deal with it if not."