STORM LAKE, Iowa (AP) — Officials have confirmed that invasive zebra mussels have been found in northwest Iowa’s Storm Lake. The Iowa Natural Resources Department says juvenile and adult zebra mussels inhabit several lake locations. Officials say the mussels probably arrived on or in a boat that had been in an infested water body, such as the Spirit/Okoboji chain of lakes or the Missouri River.

The small, black and white mussels are native to eastern Europe and voracious eaters that gobble up plankton many native freshwater fish need to survive. The mussels can attach themselves to boat motors, bait buckets and dam mechanisms and cause damage to motors and facilities.

Boaters are urged to clean, drain and dry watercraft to prevent the spread.