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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has announced findings of numerous zebra mussel veligers in several locations along the Red River between North Dakota and Minnesota.

According to Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Fred Ryckman, a survey conducted at the end of June at six sites from Wahpeton to Pembina, with a significant number of zebra mussel veligers were found at each location. The survey was conducted by Valley City State University and sent to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks veliger lab for analysis.

Veligers are microscopic larvae that adult mussels release into the water. They float with the current and can attach in great numbers to hard surfaces and cause build up. They also fee on organisms that are primary food sources for newly hatched game fish. This is the first time veligers were discovered at any location downstream from Wahpeton.

People are urged to be extra careful while transporting any water away from the river. In addition, citizens are asked to report any findings of mussles to their local Game and Fish department. For more information on zebra mussels, you can click here.