Conservation K-9s Find Invasive Mussels
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Specially trained conservation dogs are helping protect lakes and rivers by sniffing out invasive zebra and quagga mussels before they can spread. Working alongside their handlers, the dogs inspect boats, trailers, and equipment for microscopic mussels and larvae that are nearly impossible for humans to detect, but cause billions of dollars in environmental and economic damage in Canada by clogging waterways and disrupting ecosystems. Dogs’ powerful sense of smell allows inspections to be completed in just minutes, making the process faster and more accurate than traditional methods. Many of the dogs are rescued from shelters before being trained for conservation work, giving them a second chance while putting their remarkable abilities to use. The program is safeguarding native wildlife, protecting drinking water, and showing how innovative partnerships between animals and conservationists can make a meaningful difference.
Image via Conservation K-9s
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