Zebra mussels found in Becker, Otter Tail county lakes
Zebra mussels found in Jewett Lake in Otter Tail County. Minnesota DNR photo
A zebra mussel found in Floyd Lake in Becker County. Minnesota DNR photoFERGUS FALLS, Minn.—Zebra mussels were found in Jewett Lake in Otter Tail County and Floyd Lake in Becker County, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.
According to a DNR news release, watershed district staff alerted the DNR of an adult zebra mussel attached to a native clam in Floyd Lake. DNR invasive species specialists found several adult zebra mussels in three areas of the lake.
Swimmers reported finding two of the invasive species on Jewett Lake. DNR specialists also found three areas with zebra mussels on that lake.
"It's helpful when people recreating or working on a lake contact the DNR when they find a suspected invasive species," DNR assistant invasive species specialist Mark Ranweiler said.
Whether or not a lake is listed as infested, Minnesota law requires boaters and anglers to:
• Clean watercraft and trailers of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
• Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Zebra mussels can compete with native species for food and habitat, cut the feet of swimmers, reduce the performance of boat motors and cause damage to water intake pipes.
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