Wyoming intercepts boat with suspected invasive mussels

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says inspectors recently found suspected invasive mussels on a boat headed through the state.

Zebra and quagga mussels, two invasive species that have devastated streams and lakes in other U.S. states, have yet to take hold in Wyoming waters.

Department officials said Monday inspectors found mussels on a boat at a Sheridan check station. The boat from Canada was last in the water on the St. Lawrence River two years ago.

The mussels were dead but were likely zebra or quagga mussels. Workers collected hundreds for testing and removed the rest with hot, pressurized water.

All watercraft taken into Wyoming from March 1 through Nov. 30 must be inspected for invasive species before being put in the water.