Dive Team Investigates Zebra Mussel Scare in Candlewood Lake

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Brookfield Police Dive team investigated a report of zebra mussels in Candlewood Lake over the weekend, according to the Candlewood Lake Authority(CLA).

Fortunately, divers on scene found that the mussels seen were in fact Asian clams, which aren't considered to be a big problem for the lake, according to the CLA. The two crustaceans have similar size and are both non-native to the lake, but differ in shape and pattern.

Zebra mussels can be hazardous in many different ways. They often attach to hard surfaces, including boat motors, swim rafts, irrigation intakes and other pipes and more according to the U.S. Geological Survey. They also pose profound risks to the lake's ecosystem.

Unlike Zebra mussels, Asian clams live in sediment and don't attach to hard surfaces.

The CLA noted that there are no confirmed zebra mussels in the lake to date.

Public domain image via Wikimedia Commons.