The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed the presence of zebra mussel larvae in White Earth Lake, near the town of White Earth in Becker County.

White Earth Nation invasive species staff contacted the Minnesota DNR after lab analysis showed microscopic zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, in White Earth Lake water samples. 

Although adult zebra mussels have not been found during follow-up searches of White Earth Lake, the presence of veligers suggests reproducing zebra mussel populations. For that reason, White Earth Lake will be listed for zebra mussels.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law also requires people to:

• Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.

• Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.

• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

• Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.

• Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one waterbody to another.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the waterbody.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website.