News - Local
Fight against invasive mussels not over
Posted: Mar 31, 2010 1:37 PM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
A state report says that efforts to prevent the spread of invasive mussels after they were first found in Lake Pueblo two years ago are apparently paying off.
But the recent Colorado Division of Wildlife report says the fight against the nonnative zebra mussels likely isn't over because it can take up to five years for adult mussel populations to expand.
The mussels have spread rapidly in this country because they don't have natural enemies to contain them. They threaten food sources for fish and clog machinery and water pipes. Boats must be inspected before entering Colorado lakes to ensure no mussels are attached.
The mussels, native to Russia, have been in the U.S. since the 1980s when it is believed they hitched rides on ships.
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