Uh Oh! Zebra Mussels on the Loose in Texas: Don't Let These Shell Shocked Hitchhikers Crash Your Lake Party
So, you're planning a weekend getaway to a sparkling Texas lake. You can practically smell the sunscreen and hear the sweet melodies of your playlist already. But hold on there, buddy buckle up, because we've got a bit of a fishy tale to tell.
The Not-So-Welcome Guests: Zebra Mussels
Imagine tiny, sharp-shelled party crashers who multiply faster than your social media feed after a celebrity wedding. Meet the zebra mussel, an unwelcome invasive species that's slowly taking over some of Texas' favorite lakes. These guys aren't exactly the life of the party. In fact, they're more like the creepy uncle at Thanksgiving dinner who tells inappropriate jokes.
Where Can You Find These Shell-abrated Stowaways?
Here's the not-so-fun part: zebra mussels have been spotted in a whopping 32 Texas lakes (as of March 2024). That's a whole lot of places for these hitchhikers to set up shop. We're talking lakes like Lady Bird, Travis, and even Texoma! Yikes!
But Don't Panic (Yet)!
Okay, okay, before you start packing your inflatable pool and building a moat around your backyard, there are a few things to know. There are two categories for zebra mussel presence in lakes:
- Infested: This means there's a full-on zebra mussel mosh pit happening, with a reproducible population. These are the lakes to be extra cautious about.
- Positive: Zebra mussels or their larvae have been spotted a couple of times, but there's no evidence of a party yet. These lakes are being monitored closely.
How to Be a Responsible Lake-Goer
Now that you're in the know, here's how to be a champion against these unwanted guests:
- Clean, Drain, Dry: This mantra is your BFF. Clean your boat, trailer, and any equipment that touches the water before heading to a new lake. Drain all the water out, and let everything dry completely.
- Inspect Before You Depart: Don't be a smuggler! Before you leave a lake, check your boat and gear for any clinging zebra mussels.
- Report What You See: Think you spotted a zebra mussel? Don't just stand there and gape! Report it to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department so they can take action.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep Texas lakes zebra mussel-free and ensure your next lake adventure is nothing but smooth sailing (or paddling, if that's your thing).
Remember, folks, a little prevention is worth a pound of zebra mussels! Now get out there and enjoy those beautiful Texas lakes, responsibly!
