River Invaders: The Scourge of Zebra Mussels

Cane toads, killer bees, feral goats...nature always seems to be on a rampage somewhere in the world. This time the culprit is the Zebra Mussel, an ugly little bivalve that is threatening the waterways and fresh water resources of the United States. Once thought to be limited only to cold water climates, the mussel is spreading into the warmer waters of the south and southwest. Just how bad are Zebra Mussels? They multiply at an incredible rate and are difficult to kill off; once they take hold in a river or lake system, man has a slim chance of getting rid of them. City water systems are clogged by these mussels and the other living organisms, primarily fish, that inhabit the streams and lakes are in danger because of the lack of available food. Libraries in areas affected by Zebra Mussels will definitely want this video; other systems may want to seriously consider it. Little information is available on the spread of Zebra Mussels and if they are as bad as this video makes them out to be, we had better learn about them before it's too late. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)