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Zebra Mussels Infest Colorado River: Urgent Action Needed

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, from Eastern Europe, reproduce quickly and can harm water infrastructure.
CPW has identified five Colorado bodies of water with established zebra mussel populations.
The agency emphasizes containment, public education, and urges property owners to report sightings.

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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, from Eastern Europe, reproduce quickly and can harm water infrastructure.
CPW has identified five Colorado bodies of water with established zebra mussel populations.
The agency emphasizes containment, public education, and urges property owners to report sightings.