Invasive New Zealand mudsnails detected near Laramie

Posted 7/8/25

Thanks to the awareness of local anglers, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has verified the presence of New Zealand mudsnails in Gelatt Lake and Wheatland Reservoir #3 near Laramie.

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Invasive New Zealand mudsnails detected near Laramie

Jon Gatti, an aquatic invasive species specialist with Wyoming Game and Fish Department, checks a boat outside the department’s Cody office during a previous season. A Game and Fish check station near Laramie recently detected New Zealand mudsnails.

Photo courtesy Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Posted Tuesday, July 8, 2025 8:00 am

Thanks to the awareness of local anglers, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has verified the presence of New Zealand mudsnails in Gelatt Lake and Wheatland Reservoir #3 near Laramie.

These confirmations mark the second and third waters in the region with this species, in addition to Alsop Lake which was detected in 2023.

Many aquatic invasive species, including New Zealand mudsnails, are transported by people on equipment and vehicles that have not been cleaned, drained or dried. They can burrow into the fabric of waders and wading boots, hide in mud stuck to trailer tires and camp out in any undrained water from all types of watercraft.

The Wyoming Game and Fish appreciates all reports of suspected AIS and encourages everyone using Wyoming waters to clean, drain and dry their gear, every time. To learn more about AIS, Game and Fish efforts to stop the spread, or how to get your watercraft inspected, visit our AIS Prevention webpage.

Please contact Nick Edwards at nick.edwards1@wyo.gov with reports and questions concerning AIS in the Laramie Region.