Invasive zebra mussels have been confirmed for the first time in Tom Steed Reservoir in Kiowa County, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The mussels were discovered by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation engineers during a recent routine dam inspection. The engineers took photos and sent them to ODWC for positive identification.

The zebra mussel is normally about the size of a thumbnail and is named for the striped pattern on its shell. They typically are found attached to surfaces, objects or other mussels. Zebra mussels affect ecosystems they invade by threatening native mussels, fish and wildlife by consuming available food, and costing taxpayers millions of dollars by clogging water intakes and pipes, and damaging boat engines.

ODWC’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) program has confirmed invasive zebra mussels in more than 25 waterbodies throughout Oklahoma, including Kaw, Sooner, Hefner, Keystone, Robert S. Kerr, Grand, Skiatook, Eufaula, Oologah, Claremore, Greenleaf and Texoma lakes, as well as in the lower Canadian, Cimarron, Arkansas, Verdigris, Washita and North Canadian rivers.

In only two or three years from first arriving, zebra mussels can significantly populate a waterbody.

Fisheries Biologist Elaine Gainer, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the Wildlife Department, said once these invasive mussels are present, there is no feasible way to eliminate them. The best strategy is to prevent them from spreading, she said.

Preventative actions taken by boaters and other people using infested waters is vital in slowing or stopping the spread of zebra mussels. Using the “Clean, Drain, Dry” procedure is highly encouraged.

To fight zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species, please remember to drain bilge water, live wells and bait buckets; inspect boats and trailers when leaving the water; scrape off any zebra mussels or aquatic vegetation found when on dry land; then wash and dry off the boat, trailer and accessories. For more information on “Clean, Drain, Dry,” go to StopAquaticHitchhikers. org or wildlifedepartment. com/fishing/ans/zebra-mussel.

Gainer said invasive species of any kind should never be returned to the water, and any sightings of them should be reported to ODWC by submitting a form online at wildlifedepartment. com/wildlife/report-wildlife or by calling 918-200-4815. She also encourages those who think they have encountered an invasive species to take photos to help experts with species identification.

Native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia, zebra mussels are believed to have arrived in the Great Lakes in 1986 via ballast water from a transoceanic vessel. They have quickly spread and are now found in more than 30 states.

To learn more about various invasive species affecting Oklahoma, go to wildlifedepartment. com/wildlife/field-guide/invasive.