Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust plans to host its first Invasive Rusty Crayfish Contest from Monday-Sunday, Aug. 7-13.
Since 2016, the trust has documented the crayfish in the Rangeley Lakes Region. This year, it is acting against these invaders by hosting the event.
The entry costs $5 per participant, and teams of up to four are encouraged. A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older.
“To enter the contest, participants must register online at rlht.org and all crayfish must be trapped between the 7th and 13th from waters in the region,” stated Julia Morin, contest coordinator, according to a news release from the trust.
Invasive crayfish pose a significant threat to native populations. They directly compete with the native species for food and cover. Invasive crayfish starve the natives and force them out of their habitat, where other animals can more easily prey on them.
Invasives can outcompete and slowly reduce native populations to nothing, or replace them with a hybrid of rusty and native crayfish.
Everyone is invited to the closing weigh-in at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at the 2424 Main St. trust in Rangeley. Up to $300 in prizes will be offered. For first: Greatest weight caught, $100; second: Most specimens caught — $100; and third: Most females caught — $100.
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