Dogs Detect The Invasive Mussels In Montana

Dogs are not only man's best friend but also now an environment's best friend as they sniff the invasive species such as the zebra or quagga mussels in the waters across Montana. The environmental watchdogs aim to prevent the spread of the said invasive mussels.

The sending of mussel-sniffling dogs in Montana is collaborated by the state and federal agencies and the Montana Invasive Species Advisory Council (MISAC). These adult mussels are often attached to boats and another watercraft. Then, the dogs will inspect the boat docks and the shorelines for invasive mussels, according to Top Examiner.

The officials have found zebra or quagga mussel larvae in Montana's waters for the first time. When the mussels become an adult, they clog structures such as pipes that cause the disruption of water flow. These mussels also eat plankton. Native fish then have less food to eat. The invasive mussels have caused billions of dollars in damages each year.

Capital Wired reports that the invasive mussels have a bad impact on the environment and local economy. The researchers then are looking for ways to prevent the invasion without harming other wildlife. They then think that dogs could detect these invasive creatures.

The sniffling-mussel dogs are trained to detect adult mussels. Once they sniffed the adult mussel they would bark and indicate to the trainer the visibility of the invasive creatures. This makes the dog as environment's best friends, too.

Cindy Sawchuk, who has a detection dog named Hilo, said that this collaboration is just all-hands-on-deck or all paws on deck. Meanwhile, Eileen Ryce, the fisheries division administrator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks told the Great Falls Tribune Today that this the first positive test in Montana for the larvae of quagga or zebra mussels.

She further said that although they hoped they would never see these invasive species in Montana waters, they have been preparing for this possibility for some time and they are going to work together to address this threat.