West Virginia

Blue crawdads are found in West Virginia more than anywhere else

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2024

Blue crawdads are found in West Virginia more than anywhere else

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Almost any species of crayfish can have a mutation that occasionally makes them blue, but West Virginia has four distinct species that are almost always blue.

12 News spoke to crayfish expert and Professor and Co-chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at West Liberty University Zachary Loughman who said that there are approximately 10 crawdad species that are blue, and if you’re looking to see one, West Virginia is one of the best places.

How to see them

All four blue species in West Virginia are burrowing crawfish, meaning you won’t see them in creeks and steams because they dig holes down to the groundwater to keep their gills wet.

However, according to Loughman, the odds of seeing one are “pretty good,” depending on the weather. You are most likely to see them in the spring between March and early June when there’s rain, and they are most likely to come out of their burrows at night, so Loughman said the best way to see one is to find a burrow during the day and then come back to it with a flashlight after it get dark.

The burrow entrances are marked by small “chimneys” made of mud that are often on hillsides and in ditches and swamps. Loughman said during his research, his team has had to dig up to six feet underground to find some species of burrowing crawdads, especially in the later spring and summer months.

What kind of blue crawdad you might encounter depends on where you are in West Virginia. There is no overlap in distribution among the four species, and they are all unique and distinct from each other, so some species are easier to find than others.

“The only thing they have in common is that they’re blue and they all have these little quirks that you can use to identify them,” Loughman told 12 News.

Species across the state

A species simply called the Blue Crayfish was discovered more than 100 years ago and is the most widespread species of blue crawdad in West Virginia. They can be found on the Allegheny Plateau in the northern parts of the state as well as in southern parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Its scientific name, Cambarus monongalensis, is for the Monongahela River. The blue crayfish can be identified by the bright red on the tips of its claws. About half of the population of Blue Crayfish live in West Virginia.

Blue Crayfish (Courtesy: Zack Graham)

If you’re in the higher elevations of West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, you might see an Allegheny Mountain Mudbug, which wasn’t named until 2019. It’s the smallest of West Virginia’s blue crawdads and only gets to be about an inch long. Loughman told 12 News that it is the most likely species to see walking around not in a burrow, and he frequently gets reports of these crawdads being seen by hikers in places like Dolly Sods and the Cranberry Wilderness. The majority of its distribution is in West Virginia.

Allegheny Mountain Mudbug (Courtesy: Zack Graham)

The Blue Teays Mudbug can be found in—you may have guessed it—the Teays Valley area. It can be found along the Interstate 64 corridor between Charleston and Huntington and along the Kanawha River between Charleston and Point Pleasant. The blue color of the Blue Teays can vary a lot from animal to animal, ranging from a pale blue to almost purple. It can only be found in West Virginia.

Blue Teays Mudbug (Courtesy: Zack Graham)

The Meadow River Mudbug is located in high-elevation wetlands in the southern part of West Virginia, spanning from Union in Monroe County up to Lewisburg in Greenbrier County. It is “chunky” compared to the other blue crawfish in the state, and has white on its claws and a plate between its eyes. It also can only be found in West Virginia.

Meadow River Mudbug (Courtesy: Zack Graham)

Why names matter

Of the four species of blue crawfish in West Virginia, three of them weren’t officially named until within the last 10 years: Meadow River Mudbug in 2015, Blue Teays Mudbug in 2018, and Allegheny Mountain Mudbug in 2019.

Loughman has had a part in naming all of those most recent species, with the Blue Teays Mudbug sharing his last name in its scientific name, Cambarus loughmani. In total, he has named 15 crayfish species across the U.S., which is a process that normally takes a few years.

Naming different species is important because a species cannot receive any type of state or federal protections until it has a name. Naming new species allows for conservation efforts and prevents different species from being lumped together, causing inaccurate data.

“This naming of crayfish and naming of animals is a critical part of the conservation process,” Loughman explained. “We’re not just naming these things to name them. We’ve got to name them to then get the protection, to then, you know, keep them on the planet.”

Loughman said that the Blue Crayfish and Allegheny Mountain Mudbug have stable and generally unthreatened populations. But the Blue Teays Mudbug, which lives in a more developed area, and Meadow River Mudbug, which lives in an agricultural area, are not as stable, although more research is needed to know the extent of the threats.

Loughman and his lab are currently working on getting names established for several other crawfish species, including at least one in southern West Virginia that has a blueish-purple body and bright orange claws.

Environmental impacts

Although they are pretty, blue crawdads, and burrowing crawdads in general, play an important role in their ecosystems as well. Their burrows are up to 30 degrees cooler than outside temperatures, so in hot weather, animals like salamanders, snakes, rodents, turtles and even birds will go inside the burrows to get a break from the heat.

Because burrowing crawfish usually dig down to the groundwater, the burrows can also serve as a water source for other animals during drought conditions.

“Their [crawfish] presence literally leads to more biodiversity,” Loughman explained.

One of the next steps for Loughman and his lab is to compile all of their research about West Virginia crawfish into a book that can be used as a resource for naturalists and other people who are interested in learning about the state’s crayfish species.

“A lot of people ask me ‘why do you care about crawfish?’ And that’s a valid question, and my response to that is like, crayfish are part of our culture in West Virginia. Like, if you have a true West Virginian upbringing, you spend some quality time in a creek, and if you spend quality time in a creek, you’re chasing crawdads. And I just want to make sure that the crawdads that live in our state are here for future kids to chase,” Loughman told 12 News.

If you see a blue crawdad in West Virginia, you can share photos with Loughman’s lab at West Liberty University, which serves as a crawdad conservation center for West Virginia and shares its data with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The best way to share those encounters is by messaging The Loughman Lab – WLU Crayfish Conservation Laboratory on Facebook or emailing Loughman directly at zloughman@westliberty.edu.

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West Virginia

As Mountaineers try to move forward from recent struggles, freshman sensation Dybantsa awaits – WV MetroNews

Published

11 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

As Mountaineers try to move forward from recent struggles, freshman sensation Dybantsa awaits – WV MetroNews

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia is mired in a three-game losing streak for the first time under head coach Ross Hodge.

To make the slump a thing of the past, the Mountaineers have to find a way to be successful Saturday against No. 19 BYU when the teams battle at 5:30 p.m. Saturday inside Hope Coliseum for a matchup airing on FOX.

That means contending with freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa, the leading scorer in the Big 12 Conference at 25.1 points and one the top pro prospects in all of college basketball in recent memory.

“He’s definitely worthy of all the praise and attention that he’s gotten,” Hodge said. “What impresses you as much as his talent, which is very impressive, is his commitment to his teammates and how he celebrates those guys and his leadership for a young player on top of what he can do individually.”

At 6-foot-9, Dybantsa has a surplus of size for a primary ball-handler. It’s part of what makes his skill set so unique. He shoots north of 53 percent from the field, averages almost seven rebounds and four assists and shoots more than eight free throws per game thanks in large part to an ability to consistently draw contact.

Feb 21, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives while being defended by Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (5) during the first half at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

“He’s a problem in every facet of the game,” Hodge said. “He certainly can distort you in ways that a lot of people can’t because of his size, versatility and fluidity. Typically, in your transition defense, your guards are going to be the ones stopping the ball and he can create an automatic mismatch from the jump because he has the ball in his hands so much.”

The Cougars are relying on Dybantsa even more at present after Richie Saunders suffered a significant season-ending injury. Saunders averaged 18 points and has missed three straight games, and in essence four, as the injury occurred in the first minute of what amounted to an overtime victory against Colorado. Saunders’ 64 three-pointers remain a team high, but Dybantsa has the luxury of another consistent scorer in guard Robert Wright III, who averages 18.1 points and has 50 triples.

BYU averages 84.6 points, good for second among Big 12 teams.

“Do you play [Dybantsa] individually and live with if he gets 35 or 40, or try to shrink gaps and live with are these other guys going to make shots? That is the challenge,” Hodge said. “He’s shown the ability that he can beat you both ways.”

The Cougars (20-8, 8-7) have dropped two of their last three and six of nine since a 17-2 start. Most recently, Central Florida had its way offensively and cruised to a road win over the Cougars, 97-84, on Tuesday.

WVU (16-12, 7-8) has lost three straight by a total of 18 points, most recently suffering a 91-84 overtime setback at Oklahoma State on Tuesday.

The Mountaineers struggled to get stops for much of the contest, with Hodge referring to the first half of that game as his team’s worst defensive half of the season.

Still, much like the game before at TCU, the win was there for the taking late and the Mountaineers were unable to close strong.

West Virginia continues to put itself in position where it’s required to overcome significant second-half deficits, and while the Mountaineers have often caught up or led late, they’ve been unable to pull through recently.

WVU has played eight straight games decided by 10 or fewer points and recorded a 3-5 record over that time.

“The initial aftermath of any loss you’re going to be disappointed, but we’re mature enough and from a leadership standpoint,” Hodge said. “It’s hard not to just fall into the trap of you win and you’re great, you lose and you’re terrible. We’ve been fortunate enough to win some one-possession games that easily could’ve went the other way and the last three games we were in easily could’ve went our way, but they didn’t.

“But you’re not looking at an insurmountable mountain to climb. A block out here, a free throw there, a rebound here, a made shot here, a missed shot here, that’s the difference in what you’re dealing with. Do you have the emotional intelligence and maturity to stay the course and stay together, which this group does better than anybody I’ve been around, and still find a level of excitement in what you’re doing every day. That’s where if you love basketball and love each other and love challenges, then you’re going to be in the right place. There’s going to be a certain level of excitement even in the midst of disappointing times.”

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West Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Daily 3, Daily 4 on Feb. 26, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

1-1-7

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

3-8-8-2

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 25 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

02-03-09-11-13-19

Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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West Virginia

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises $2 million for West Virginia’s kids and families

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises million for West Virginia’s kids and families

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s raised more than $2 million at its annual gala, an event dedicated to expanding care for children and expectant mothers in West Virginia and the surrounding region.

Approximately 1,300 guests enjoyed the “Celestial” themed event on Saturday (Feb. 21) as they helped little stars shine bright at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.

Donations from the community will go toward the greatest needs of WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, helping to ensure all families in need receive world-class care in a compassionate environment when they need it.

“Our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for our patients and families,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said. “The generosity we witnessed at this year’s gala ensures we can continue growing our programs and enhancing the care we provide. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in our mission.”

Engineer, TV host, and 100th woman to fly to space, Emily Calandrelli, served as emcee for the evening. The West Virginia University alumna is passionate about space exploration and inspiring children to pursue STEM careers.

Calandrelli spent time visiting patients at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s before the gala.

“As a Morgantown native who is passionate about science and children, I’m thrilled to play a small part in this beautiful evening that raises crucial funds for the lifesaving work WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital is doing right here in my hometown,” she said.

“The amazing doctors, nurses, and staff aren’t just healing sick kids, they are inspiring the next generation of curious explorers and adventurers who are one day going to change the world.”

Entertainment was provided by Party on the Moon, whose high-energy performance capped off the night’s festivities.

A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of inspiring patients and dedicated teams who care for kids across the state.

Carter Casey from Sod in Lincoln County was introduced as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child for West Virginia. He received care at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston and WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for life-threatening injuries after a go-kart accident.

Pavithra Ellison, M.D., M.M.M., F.A.S.A., associate chief quality officer and vice chair of anesthesiology, was presented with the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital Award for her leadership, service, and lasting impact on pediatric healthcare.

The Community Service Award was presented to Little General, Inc. The company’s generosity has provided vital support to the children and families who turn to WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for care. The Little General team across the state is committed to creating a better future for West Virginia’s families.

More than 80 sponsors contributed to the gala’s success. Leading sponsors included Iron Senergy, Dr. Christopher and Beth Mascio, Hope Gas, Infinity Electric & Service Co., CJL Engineering, HED Design, Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Trilogy Innovations, Mark Carter and Amy Wildasin, PJ Dick, Triple H Enterprises, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Prolacta Bioscience, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Daniel’s Men’s Store, and StudioKat Photography.

David A. Rosen, M.D., Michelle Rosen, and the Rosen Family Foundation served as presenting sponsors and helped spearhead fundraising efforts. Dr. Rosen, a pediatric anesthesiologist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s and professor and vice chair of research in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, emphasized the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.

“I am proud to continue my support of the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala. This commitment is deeply personal — not only as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who has had the privilege of serving WVU Medicine for more than 30 years, but also as someone who was personally affected by polio as a child,” Dr. Rosen said.

“That early experience shaped my lifelong appreciation for the critical role compassionate, specialized pediatric care plays in changing lives. Supporting WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital reflects both my professional dedication and my personal mission to advancing exceptional care for children with complex medical needs and supporting the families who rely on it.”

All gala contributions were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. Visit Childrens.WVUMedicine.org/Giving to make a gift to WVU Medicine Children’s.

For more information on WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.

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