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Staple of spring crawfish boils is no longer illegal in Colorado

Unbeknown to many, the importation of Louisiana crawfish, or red swamp crayfish, was illegal in Colorado, until now.

DENVER — Crawfish lovers, rejoice!

Red swamp crayfish can now be legally imported, transported and possessed for human consumption in Colorado, as of Jan. 1.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said that unbeknown to many, the importation of red swamp crayfish was illegal in Colorado. Otherwise known as Louisiana crawfish, the tasty red swamp crayfish are a staple of spring crawfish boils. 

The release and use of red swamp crayfish as bait remains illegal in Colorado in order to protect lakes and rivers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said.

RELATED: Invasive crawfish imports have pros and cons, CPW says

The importation of many live aquatic species is illegal due to the threat they can pose to our aquatic resources and the importation of most live crayfish species remains illegal in Colorado. 

In November, the Parks and Wildlife Commission approved regulation changes to allow for the importation, transportation and possession of live red swamp crayfish in Colorado for the purpose of human consumption.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said it now allows the importation, transportation, and possession of live red swamp crayfish in Colorado for human consumption, provided the following conditions are met:

  • No person may possess an individual of the species alive for more than 72 hours.
  • Any person who possesses the species alive must have:
    • a copy of an importation license that authorizes the importation of the crayfish in the person’s possession; and
    • a receipt or delivery confirmation reflecting the date the person took possession of the crayfish. 

CPW said consumers buying live crayfish from a vendor will receive a copy of the importation license along with the required receipt. Consumers buying cooked crayfish from a restaurant will be unaffected. 

RELATED: New laws that go into effect in Colorado on Jan. 1

RELATED: Colorado lake to be drained after invasive mussels discovered

RELATED: Troublesome crayfish discovered in Lake Granby

Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

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