Invasive Mussel May Have Arrived in Flathead Lake

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced that microscopic larvae suspected to be from exotic mussels may be in 4 of 17 plankton samples collected from the 200 square mile Flathead Lake this summer. The aquatic invasive species director for Montana FWP plans to send divers into Flathead Lake within the next several days to look for adult mussels. Invasive mussels hitch rides on anything from fishing gear to boats and travel by land from other infected waters. Mussels reproduce and spread quickly, attach to hard surfaces, clog irrigation systems, can foul boat motors, disrupt water purification systems and impact fisheries. To read more, click here.