AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The state is warning that invasive zebra mussels have been found in Maine pet stores, and it’s urging pet store owners and consumers to destroy them.
Aquatic moss balls sold at pet stores in Maine and elsewhere in the United States have been found to contain the mussels, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife officials said.
If released into the wild, the freshwater mollusks can quickly outcompete native species and clog boat motors, hydropower plants, intake pipes and other structures in the water.
Zebra mussels are a restricted or prohibited species in Maine, and the moss balls should be destroyed by boiling them, treating them with chlorine or freezing them for 24 hours, state officials said.
They carry the names “Beta Buddy Marimo Balls,” “Mini Marimo Moss Balls” and “Marimo Moss Ball Plant.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.