The News-Star in Louisiana reports that researchers from the University of Louisiana at Monroe have found flamed tigersnails at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, despite the fact that they were reported to exist only as fossils in the state:

ULM biology graduate students Erin Basiger and Casey Nolan, under the guidance of their faculty adviser, Russell Minton, set out to survey the diversity of land snails at the refuge when they came upon a snail with an unexpected shell pattern and shape that, upon further research, was determined should no longer be alive.

While sorting through collected specimens, Minton noticed live snails with reddish-brown shells covered in distinct brown patches and spots that seemed out of place with the others. Subsequent research led to the identification of the snails as flamed tigersnails…

Minton added, “Our findings suggest that this snail is alive in Louisiana. Researchers may have overlooked it, or it may occupy a reduced range in the state due to a loss of suitable habitats from human activity. It’s an interesting find for us and for the refuge.”

Refuge Manager Brett Hortman was naturally excited: “The partnership between Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge and ULM continues to be productive for both. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to supporting research leading to the preservation of native species such as this,” he said.

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National Wildlife Refuge System, Black Bayou Lake NWR, Louisiana, flamed tigersnail