Fort Wayne - State wildlife officials say a single
has been found in Allen County and it could spell trouble for northeastern Indiana's waterways.
The state Department of Natural Resources says the lone specimen of the invasive species was found earlier this month attached to a rock in the St. Joseph River in Fort Wayne.
Although zebra mussels have been found in more than 75 water bodies in 43 Indiana counties, this is the first time the European species has been found in Allen County.
Wildlife officials say zebra mussels can be devastating when they successfully colonize a waterway. The mussels, which multiply rapidly, can reduce fish populations by eating up food.
They can also clog drainage and filtration pipes and attach to boats and piers.
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