(Kansas City, Mo.)– There’s new concern over the spread of invasive species to lakes in the upper midwest…specifically Zebra Mussels.
Officials in Missouri say the aquatic pest has now been found in a lake north of Kansas City…one mile from the Missouri River.
The first large-scale infestation upstream of Kansas City was discovered in April in a lake at Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha.
Zebra Mussels have also been found in the Lake of The Ozarks.
Zebra Mussels are dime to quarter size and are prolific reproducers–one female can produce one million offspring. They form dense colonies that can damage boats, beaches, marinas and clog utility pipes.
Local officials say it re-emphasizes their efforts to keep Zebra Mussels and other invasive plants and species out of the Iowa Great Lakes. The DNR has stepped up those efforts this summer by placing officers at boat ramps inspecting boats for any sign of critters or plants that may be attached to them.
