 FWP discovers non-native aquarium pets in Montana waters
It might seem like a good idea at the time, but dumping an aquarium pet into a lake or river is not good for the pet or for the native wildlife. The pet probably won’t survive, and native wildlife won’t know how to compete with the invasive species.
Earlier this spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks personnel identified two species that were the result of aquarium dumps.
The first detection was mystery snails at Finley Point in Flathead Lake. Mystery snails are an aquarium snail that are found in many waters in the West. But this is the first mystery snail population identified in Montana. FWP plans to attempt to remove the snail population later this season.
Near Bozeman, an angler reported catching a Dojo loach in a small pond. The Dojo loach is native to East Asia and is a popular aquarium pet in the United States.
For more information on how releasing pets into the wild can negatively impact habitat, visit http://www.dontletitloose.com
AIS Inspection Staff Continues to Detect Mussel-Fouled Boats
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection stations have been busy this spring. So far, more than 10,000 watercraft have been inspected, with 16 of those found to have invasive mussels attached.
Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open inspection stations they encounter. Watercraft includes motorized and non-motorized boats, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, rafts and pack rafts.
Nonresidents and residents returning home must have their watercraft inspected before launching in Montana. Watercraft must also be drained of all water before transporting.
AIS are plants, animals or pathogens that are not native to Montana and can cause harm to our environment and economy.
Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.
To watch a video featuring AIS specialists offering advice from the Blackfoot River, click here.
Great Falls High School students 'pull their share' of noxious weeds.
In Giant Springs State Park Monday morning, Great Falls High School biology students teamed up with land management to learn about the detrimental effects of noxious weeds, and to pull their share. Continue reading...
Click to watch video.
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