The apple snail, an invasive species native to South America that can spread rat lungworm and whose eggs contain a rash-causing toxin, has been confirmed to be present in North Carolina.

Officials with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed the snails’ presence Monday, saying in a release that “this is the first known population of apple snails in North Carolina.”

The snails and their masses of eggs have been spotted in the area around the state’s Lumber River near Lumberton.

Humans should not eat the snails raw, as they carry rat lungworm that can cause a potentially fatal disease in people. Nor should they touch the pink masses of apple snail eggs, as those clusters contain a toxin that can cause skin and eye rashes.

Apple snails, NCWRC said, are also a threat to local flora and fauna. The snails eat amphibian eggs and graze native plants in a way that harms local aquatic species. They also reproduce rapidly, with female snails laying eggs as often as once a week.

The bright pink egg masses are laid on structures hanging above the waterline of streams, rivers and ponds. People who see clusters are asked to report them to wildlife officials and, if possible, to use an implement like a stick or paddle to jar them loose and ensure the eggs sink.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.