MYSTERY SOLVED!

On October 15, 2017 I wrote about some unusual 'wildlife' that I encountered in the middle of Chicago during one of my urban hikes. I have reprinted my original post below:

I had long ago given up hope that someone would respond to my original email.  Yesterday at 2PM I received an email from Mr. Matt O'Hara whose many titles included: IDNR-Fisheries (Illinois Department of Natural Resources), Aquatic Nuisance Species Aquaculture Program, Natural Resources Advanced Specialist, and Asian Carp Project Leader. This guy is apparently very busy, I am grateful that my email was addressed even if I had to wait nearly three months for a response.

Here was the response:

Hello Marc, 

Thanks for your email, about the creature you encountered. The creature is an aquatic crawfish, this crawfish is a nonnative or invasive crayfish to the Chicago area known as a “Red Swamp Crawfish”. Although the Red Swamp Crawfish is a native to the very southern tip Illinois, they are invasive to northern areas. They can outcompete native crawfish for food and habitat.

Thanks 

Matt O'Hara

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So this mystery is solved.  I never really thought it was a lobster, but it sure looked like one. I also never really thought it was a scorpion, but it sure looked like one. I had never really ever seen a Red Swamp Crawfish before, so it never occurred to me that it might be one. I am very grateful to Mr. O'Hara for taking the time to answer my question.

.

I was well aware that I have been overeating the past week. I have 'smartly' combined this with zero amount of exercise. No shock  when my Saturday weight was 248.9 lbs. 

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my original email included two photos.

Greetings,
Although it was lightly raining around 4:00PM when I was on Goose Island, Illinois earlier today October 14 and headed to the bridge that takes one to North Avenue - I spotted this creature (approx 3”) slowly walking along the road.  Was this a scorpion? 

Thank you for letting me know.

Marc Jacobs
Chicago