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Colorado River Declared Infested with Invasive Zebra Mussels

9/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Colorado River is now classified as "infested" with zebra mussels from the 32 Road bridge to the Colorado-Utah border.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed adult zebra mussels after extensive sampling.
These mussels, native to Eastern Europe, reproduce quickly and can harm water infrastructure.
CPW has identified five infested water bodies in Colorado and is closely monitoring them.
Boaters and anglers should clean, drain, and dry their equipment to prevent further spread.

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Story summary

The Colorado River is now classified as "infested" with zebra mussels from the 32 Road bridge to the Colorado-Utah border.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed adult zebra mussels after extensive sampling.
These mussels, native to Eastern Europe, reproduce quickly and can harm water infrastructure.
CPW has identified five infested water bodies in Colorado and is closely monitoring them.
Boaters and anglers should clean, drain, and dry their equipment to prevent further spread.