Okla. Department Of Wildlife Conservation Warns About Invasive Species In Lakes

Boating season is nearly here, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is launching a campaign to urge people to fight against invasive species.

Specifically, Quagga and Zebra mussels.

Conservation officials say the pair pose a significant threat to Oklahoma waterways.

Wildlife officials say there are three steps to take when it comes to preventative measures: Clean, Drain, and Dry.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation says invasive mussels are popping up nationwide and were recently found in Lake Texoma.

Staff say these species pose a significant threat to the local ecosystem and want boaters to be cautious before hitting the water.

“A lot of folks think they are beneficial for cleaning the water and this and not. Well, they’re really not,” Elaine Gainer said. 

Gainer is the Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator with the state conservation department. She says Zebra Mussels can cause already endangered native mussels to die out, which is why taking action now is imperative.

Brayden Webb builds boat docks and says he comes across many different critters in the water, including mussels.

“I picked up two huge ones over in Kentucky, and I broke them open with my knife and breaking them open, it just bends your knife, and I had a Smith and Wesson, and it bent it. I haven’t found any of them here, but that’s probably because I haven’t been looking,” Webb said. 

Gainer says zebra mussels originated in Asia and made their way into the Great Lakes in 1986.

Since then, they have rapidly spread and are now found in at least 25 states, primarily spread through trailered boats that aren’t cleaned.

“If you can scrub off anything that you see, that’s probably better,” Gainer said. 

She says you should also lift the motor, pull all drain plugs, and dry out the boat for at least five days.

The Wildlife Conservations says if you see any invasive mussels, you should take pictures and call ODWC at (918) 683-1031.