The end of the boating season is here, and state officials say it's a perfect time to check for new infestations of aquatic species. As boats and piers are removed from the water this Fall, DNR Aquatic Invasive Species coordinator Ron Martin says owners should be on the look out for mussels that may have latched on to objects during the summer months. Martin says established species would most likely turn up during this time of year, if they have not been spotted already.
Martin says the newest threat they're watching out for is the Quagga mussel, a more aggressive cousin of the Zebra mussels already present in Wisconsin. He says the species is capable of living in bodies of water the Zebra mussel currently has trouble surviving in. Martin says the species is dominating Lake Michigan, and the public should report any suspected sightings to the DNR.