CONSERVING WILDLIFE
- SERVING PEOPLE -

Zebra and quagga mussels have the potential to wreak havoc on waters of Wyoming and we must do what we can to prevent them from getting here. You can do your part by making sure your boat and gear is Drain, Clean, and Dry.
Origin: The Black and Caspian seas in Eurasia.
Distribution: They are widespread throughout the United States, most notably in neighboring Colorado and Utah. Invasive zebra and quagga mussels have not been found in Wyoming.
Impacts: They are very prolific and can completely infiltrate waters very rapidly. They remove nutrients from water, clog pipes and waterways, damage boats, and out-compete native mussels.
Dispersal: They are transported in water on boats as microscopic larvae or attached to the hull, motor, or other hard surface of a boat as juveniles or adults.
Characteristics: Typically striped, size less than 2 in, presence of byssal threads which allow them to attach to hard substances.

