Young Zebra Mussels Found in North Dakota

WAHPETON, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Game and Fish Department says young zebra mussels have been detected in the Red River near Wahpeton.

Aquatic nuisance species coordinator Fred Ryckman said Monday their larvae were present in the same area in 2010 and 2011, but weren't found in the past two years. He says finding more larvae in the area wasn't a surprise because there are zebra mussel populations upstream in the Otter Tail River in Minnesota.

Adult zebra mussels haven't been discovered in North Dakota, despite reports of new and growing infestations in Minnesota. The Red River site is the only one where young mussels have been found in North Dakota.

Officials are urging residents and visitors to check for invasive species when pulling fishing piers and boating equipment out of bodies of water.