An invasive species of swamp eel has been found in New Orleans.
The eels has been found in a few locations in Bayou St. John, which runs through Mid-City, Gentilly and Lakeview.
The invadors dig burrows in the banks of bodies of water to hide out until dark, when they come out.
A state biologist says it's the first time this species has been found in the United States, though other Asian swamp eel species have been found over the years in New Jersey, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Robert Bourgeois says the Asian swamp eels in Bayou St. John may have been released for food or from an aquarium.
He says that they eat the same things native fish and animals do, but their effect on native species is not known.
Bourgeois said to the best of his knowledge the eels are neither aggressive nor poisonous. “Human health-wise, there’s nothing to worry about,” he said.
The department is asking the public to help it learn how widespread these are by freezing and reporting any they find.