HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF ZEBRA MUSSELS

Win $1,300 by returning moss balls

Aquarium owners, your moss ball could be worth $1,300. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with Wyoming Trout Unlimited and other sponsors, are launching a month-long moss ball take- back program to help stop the potential spread of zebra mussels. The invasive mussel species was discovered for the first time in Wyoming in March on moss balls, an aquarium plant sold in pet stores. 

All aquarium moss balls are eligible to be submitted to the program. To return a moss ball, net it out of your aquarium and put it in a closed, plastic bag or container. Moss balls can be dropped off to one of the 10 take-back locations across Wyoming. 

• Johnson County Emergency Management, 26 N. DeSmet, Buffalo, WY 82834
• Game and Fish Sheridan Regional Office (700 Valley View Dr. Sheridan, WY 82801)
• Game and Fish Cody Regional Office (2820 Highway 120, Cody, Wyoming 82414)
• Game and Fish Jackson Regional Office (420 N. Cache St., Jackson, WY 83001)
• Game and Fish Pinedale Regional Office (432 E. Mill St., Pinedale, WY 82941)
• Game and Fish Green River Regional Office (351 Astle Ave. ​Green River, WY 82935)
• Game and Fish Lander Regional Office (260 Buena Vista Dr., Lander, WY 82520)
• Game and Fish Casper Regional Office (3030 Energy Ln., Casper, WY 82604)
• Game and Fish Laramie Regional Office (1212 S. Adams St., Laramie WY 82070)
• Game and Fish Headquarters (5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82006)

Anyone who returns a moss ball can scan a QR code at the drop-off site to enter into a raffle to win $1,300. The raffle closes May 15. 

The moss ball take-back program is supported by Wyoming Trout Unlimited, the WYldlife Fund, Wyoming Game Wardens Association, Wyoming County Commissioners Association, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Wyoming Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Muley Fanatic Foundation and the Wyoming Water Association.

Why we're concerned about zebra mussels

An invasive zebra mussel that poses a serious threat to Wyoming’s natural resources and water systems has been found in moss balls, a product sold at many aquarium and pet supply stores. If you have a moss ball, we need your help to stop zebra mussels. All moss balls are impacted.

• Never pour aquarium water or plants or release unwanted pets into any natural waters.

• Dispose of any moss balls you have using the Game and Fish step-by-step guide.

• Do not flush or pour water down drains if it's been in contact with moss balls.

• Do not buy new moss balls to add to your tank.

Once zebra mussels become established in reservoirs, lakes or even city water systems, they wreak havoc. They remove nutrients from water, clog pipes and waterways, damage boats and out-compete native mussels. Further, in many cases, zebra mussels are impossible to remove and could have costly impacts for Wyoming.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO STOP THE SPREAD OF ZEBRA MUSSELS TO OUR WYOMING WATERS.

ID A ZEBRA MUSSEL

MOSS BALLS DISPOSAL

WHAT'S A MOSS BALL? Popular tank decoration made of a filamentous algae Used to oxygenate the water.  Zebra mussels were found on moss balls Not all zebra mussels are visible to the eye. At any size, they have the potential to cause harm.

IF YOU HAVE A MOSS BALL Please follow these steps to keep Wyoming’s waters free of zebra mussels.   Remove any pets from the water and tank. Remove the moss ball, other plants and any water from the aquarium and put them into a heat-safe pot. Do not dispose of any water down the drain or toilet. Inspect the moss ball and tank for zebra mussels and if you find any contact your local Game and Fish regional office. Boil the moss balls, plants and any water it’s been in contact with at least five minutes Dispose of the moss ball and other plants in trash.  Pour out the boiled water on a semi-permeable surface. That could be a houseplant or outside — like grass or soil — that is not located near standing water or a storm drain.

SEE ZEBRA MUSSELS? Tell us.   Please call to anonymously report: Zebra mussels sightings in Wyoming's waters. Anyone dumping their aquariums in natural waters.  Call 1-877-WGFD-TIP to anonymously report or submit a tip online. Our goal is to learn where zebra mussels could be in Wyoming.

You can stop the spread of AIS

Moss balls aren't the only aquatic invasive species problem Wyoming faces. Find out more information about other challenges and what the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is doing to prevent invasive species. 

About Wyoming's efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species
Why you shouldn't let you pets loose