It's called "one of the most damaging snails in the world" and was found recently in Pasco County.
What You Need To Know
- Giant African land snail found in Pasco County
- According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the snails eat many plants, including peas, beans and cucumbers
- LINK: Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services information on giant African land snail
- Florida snail identification sheet (PDF)
- USDA Information on Lissachatina fulica
The state confirmed the finding of a giant African land snail.
The snail was found and reported by a gardener in the New Port Richey area.
The county is planning a news conference for Thursday to further discuss the finding.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the snails eat many plants, including peas, beans and cucumbers.
But if they can’t find enough vegetation, giant African land snails will eat paint or stucco off of a house.
Giant African land snails threaten people because they sometimes carry a parasite known to cause meningitis, according to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The state says residents who believe they have spotted a giant African land snail can email DPIHelpline@FDACS.gov, according to the state.