zebra mussels

To limit damage Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been increasing its efforts to detect the bivalve since it was first discovered in the state in 2022.

Zebra mussels originally came to North America through shipping vessels traveling in the St. Lawrence Seaway from Eastern Europe. In the Great Lakes region, they've wreaked havoc on water infrastructure, and caused millions of dollars in damage.

Adult zebra mussels were recently discovered in the Colorado River and a nearby lake in Grand Junction on the Western Slope. Wildlife officials have officials designated that area of the Colorado River as “infested.” Shannon Mullane is a reporter for the Colorado Sun . She discussed zebra mussels with KUNC's Desmond O'Boyle