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Marc Giauque reportingAs more people and boats begin returning to Utah's lakes and rivers, wildlife officials are starting an all out war against a small aquatic animal that threatens our waterways.
This year, they're armed with a new state law allowing any police officer to stop and detain a boat believed to be carrying Quagga mussels.
The tiny clam-shelled creatures can hide on boats and be taken to un-infested waters. Evan Freeman of the Division of Wildlife Resources thinks most boaters are becoming aware of the threat. "Ninety-nine percent of the public, we're getting positive response. But it only takes one to not listen or not care."
The mussels can out-compete native fish for food, foul beaches, and even plug outboard motors. They've been discovered in Nevada's Lake Mead. Wildlife officials hope they don't move north.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
