Out of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, around 800 are infested with an aquatic invasive species, and now another lake has been added to that list. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources positively identified zebra mussels in Cass Lake after a fishing party discovered the species while collecting shells on Cedar Island.

The DNR immediately searched the popular beach and swimming area to confirm the discovery. Officials found zebra mussels in a variety of sizes, which indicates that the species has been there for some time. The discovery marks the first confirmed adult zebra mussel find in the Bemidji area, and now the DNR is doing their part to make sure these dangerous species don’t spread any further.

Cass Lake and nine other lakes have also been designated as zebra mussel infested. No zebra mussels have been found in the other surrounding lakes, but they are heavily used by boaters traveling from Cass Lake.

By — Lakeland PBS

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