Now that growing numbers of zebra mussels have been confirmed in Lewis & Clark Lake, the focus changes to slowing the spread of the invasive animal.

Sam Stukel, a fisheries biologist with the Game, Fish and Parks Department, based in Yankton, says the lake sees heavy use all summer long…

 

Stukel says it can be very easy for the mussel to tag along to another lake…

 

Stukel says they want boat operators to take some extra time as they move from lake to lake…

 

Zebra mussels reproduce rapidly and can clog hard surfaces and water intakes and pipes.