Spot Asian Swamp Eels: Help Florida's Wildlife

0:00University of Florida researchers are putting out the call to all Floridians. Keep your eyes open for Asian swamp eels popping up in local waters. These invasive critters are snake-like fish that could be messing with native wildlife and they're asking everyday people to help spot them before. They spread further. These eels are built tough for Florida's wild spots. They breed air, handle low oxygen water, and burl into mud to survive dry spells. They chow down on everything from worms to big bass, and they've already linked to drops in crayfish and amphibian numbers down south. Experts like wildlife professor Frank Masati say these eels are nearly impossible to track on their own, which is why public sightings are key. They've got a slimy, finless body that's dark reddish brown with a lighter belly. Sometimes orange or pink with markings and tiny eyes. You'll find them fake in southeast Florida canals. And they're showing up more in places like the Little Manatee River and Bullfrog Creek near Tampa. If you see an eel-like fish in canals, wetlands, or marshes, snap a photo and report it to

1:051-888-IV-E-A-G-O-T-1, hit up EBG-O, ORG, or use their mobile app. Your tip could stop the next invasion in its tracks. This has been Tampa Bay News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.