I have recently discovered a third colony of what I believe are Parkhill Prairie Crayfish in one of our neighborhood’s parks.
Again, the colony consists of a number of burrows well away from a body of standing water.
This new colony is located roughly halfway between the two other colonies I have discovered, being approximately 1mi/1.6km from the first park colony, and 0.75mi/1.2km from the second colony on the church grounds.
It is my speculation that this entire area of Carrollton was likely home to this species of crayfish prior to its commercial and residential development.
![There is a small Parkhill Prairie Crayfish colony in this park.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/parkhillprairiecrayfish-bythegazebo-001.jpg)
![An example of a capped Crayfish Chimney in the third colony I discovered in the immediate area.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/parkhillprairiecrayfish-bythegazebo-002.jpg)
![There is no chimney over this burrow, but the tidiness of the hole and the surrounding area, suggest recent burrowing activity.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/parkhillprairiecrayfish-bythegazebo-003.jpg)
![Two more Parkhill Prairie Crayfish burrows. The one on the left is open and without a chimney, and the one on the right (just above and to the right of the coke can) has a small chimney and is capped.](http://dfwurbanwildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/parkhillprairiecrayfish-bythegazebo-004.jpg)
Observation Details
County | – | Denton |
|
City | – | Carrollton | |
Date | – | September 3, 2007 | |
Time of Day | – | Morning | |
Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
Weather | – | Cloudy | |
Habitat | – | Recreation-Park | |
Type of Behavior | – | Congregating | |
Gender | – | Mixed | |
Maturity | – | Adult | |
Observer | – | Chris Jackson |