CASS COUNTY, Mich. -- Officials in Michigan are asking Cass County residents to keep an eye out for a recently reported invasive species.

The state's Invasive Species Program announced that red swap crayfish have been found in the county for the first time. Two dead crayfish were reportedly found in a private pond near Niles during a survey of invasive plants in mid-September.

Officials say this species of crayfish have been prohibited in Michigan since 2014. They are considered invasive in the state because of how quickly they reproduce, as well as their ability to aggressively outcompete native species for food and habitat. MISP officials say this can be especially destructive to aquatic plants, which could cause water issues. The species can also destabilize banks and infrastructure by burrowing along shorelines.

Red swamp crayfish have been spotted in Michigan since 2017, including in Van Buren County. Officials say infestations are believed to be the result of released or escaped aquarium pets, live bait, or live crayfish brought to Michigan for crawfish boils.

Anyone in the area of Berrien and Cass counties is asked to report any sightings of the species. They are two to six inches long, generally brown or red, and have raised bumps on their body and claws. An hourglass shape on the crayfish's back touches in the middle, and a dark triangle is visible on the tail.

Officials also ask anyone who sees one, if possible, to collect the crayfish, bag it, and place it in a freezer. Otherwise, residents are asked to take close-up photos and report them to Kathleen Quebedeaux, DNR Fisheries Division, at [email protected], or 734-780-5571.