(Des Moines)– Zebra mussels have been found at Lake Rathbun in central Iowa.
Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources estimate about 100 adult zebra mussels were discovered on a cabin cruiser last Friday that had been moored at a marina on Lake Rathbun since late June.
Officials say it’s too early to tell if zebra mussels have established a foothold there, but they are taking precautions.
Lake Rathbun is the site of the 50 million dollar Honey Creek Resort State Park that’s in the process of being developed.
Officials say the discovery of zebra mussels at Lake Rathbun should serve as yet another wake-up call for the Iowa Great Lakes.
Zebra mussels have also been found at Clear Lake.
Zebra mussels are prolific reproducers. They have sharp-edged shells and adhere to solid objects, competing with other aquatic life for food. They’ve been known to clog water intake pipes.
