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Wildlife Officials Say Non-Native Mussels Growing

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) -- The Colorado Division of Wildlife says the number of non-native mussel offspring are growing at the reservoir at Lake Pueblo State Park.

Inspectors at Colorado Parks and Wildlife say they've checked more than 50,000 boats so far this season. Last year, more than 200,000 boats were inspected at the 29 state parks with reservoir and lakes.

The mussels can clog water treatment plants and damage ecosystems. They're not native to this country and don't have natural enemies to keep them in check. So far, no fully developed mussels have been found in Lake Pueblo.

The mussels were first found in Colorado in 2007 in Lake Pueblo. Boaters are urged to clean all mud, plants and any creatures from the hull, drain all water and dry the boat .

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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