A giant freshwater crayfish has been rescued from the middle of a busy Tasmanian tourist route while attempting to cross the road.
Parks and Wildlife Field Officers Frank Bird and Matty Thompson found the giant crayfish on Sumac Road while driving the takayna/Tarkine Loop.
Reportedly trying to get to another stream, Bird and Thompson pulled over and relocated the crayfish into the bush.
“The crustacean then walked into a nearby creek 15 metres from the road, but not without first trying to pinch their boots!” PWS said.
“In areas like takayna, this highlights the importance of keeping an eye out for all creatures, not just mammals, when driving on these roads.”
PWS say the giant freshwater crayfish is the world’s largest freshwater crustacean.
The species is endemic to the rivers, lakes and streams of northern Tasmania.
When active, giant freshwater crayfish can traverse large distances and often return to the same refuge after excursions, with movements of up to 2.2 kilometres recorded.
