Within the last 3 years the Airdrie Parks department has been receiving notifications of crayfish in Nose Creek.

Crayfish are a non-native species to Airdrie and Nose Creek, and were most likely introduced through actions of a human. 

"There's a lot of ways that species can be introduced to a new Eco-system," said Cheryl Lowe, Natural Areas Technician for the Parks Department, "Whether it be from somebody transporting an organism from one habitat into a new Eco-system, there are a lot of different theories. It could be a bait bucket, or often people have pets that they introduce into a water way such as fish and maybe even crayfish."

Lowe said that often people are introducing species to a new environment and they don't realize the repercussions on the existing Eco-System. 

"Because crayfish is a non-native species, we are concerned about any competition they may have with vertebrates and invertebrates within the Nose Creek. Whether it be competition for a food source, or eating any of the materials that may be in competition with another fish."

If crayfish become predatory towards any other small organisms, Lowe said it could lead to a loss of bio-diversity.

Lowe said that at this time, the Parks department has not seen a rise in concern with the population of crayfish but they will continue to monitor the creek.

"I think that the take home message here is to just understand that with any plant or animal species, it can be extremely detrimental to the environment and the economy if that organism is moved from its native habitat into a new Eco-System."