PHOTOS: Do Blue Crayfish Actually Live in New York?

With warmer temperatures starting to creep back to the northeast, tons of amazing animals are beginning their spring routines.

While bears are waking up from their long winter's nap and turtles are un-burying themselves after brumation, there's another critter you might spot that seems to defy the laws of nature.

Crayfish Living in New York State

While crayfish are more closely associated with creeks and streams, many Hudson Valley residents have been surprised to learn that not only can some species breathe oxygen, but they can be quite at home far away from a water source.

Have You Found a Crayfish in Your Yard?

Every summer, some New Yorkers will be treated to a wild sight: what looks like a miniature lobster hanging out on their lawn. The creatures, which are actually a type of "terrestrial crayfish", are known to make their homes in muddy areas. But what about the blue ones?

How to Find Blue Crayfish

Blue crayfish (scientifically known as Cambarus monongalensis) hardly look real, and their shocking color leads many people to mistake them for toys or even fishing lures. Not only do these creatures exist, however, but this is the perfect time to find one.

Where to Find Crayfish

Other than the typical streams that crayfish call home, many can survive away from water sources as long as the ground is still wet. A small mound of muddy dirt in your yard could be a crayfish sign. But back to the blues...

Where New Yorkers Can Find Blue Crayfish

New Yorkers looking to find an elusive blue crayfish will have to travel, albeit not far. Cambarus monongalensis are native to West Virginia, Ohio, and New York's neighbor, Pennsylvania. The only asterisk is that they are mostly found in the western part of the state.

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While blue crayfish might not call New York home, there are 12 other species of the creature that can be found in the Empire State. Speaking of surprising animals to find in your backyard, check out photos from when a bear visited SUNY New Paltz below.