BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Montana wildlife officials say evidence of an invasive clam that can out-compete native species has been found for the first time in a state waterbody.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say Asian clam shells were recently found near the boat ramp at Lake Elmo State Park in Billings. The discovery was made by participants in a training session on the detection of aquatic invasive species.
No live clams were found.
The quarter-sized mollusks are smaller than native clams that live in Montana. In large enough numbers officials say they can clog screens on irrigation pumps or other water intakes.
Since being discovered in Washington state’s Columbia River in 1938 Asian clams have spread to almost every state.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.