Game, Fish and Parks officials report evidence of an invasive species in several pet stores statewide.  

Zebra mussels have infested some moss balls; a type of algae used in aquariums. 

Tanner Davis is the department’s aquatic invasive species coordinator. He says the contaminated moss balls must be disposed of properly so the zebra mussels don’t spread. 

“We are encouraging everyone to destroy their moss balls by putting them in a bag and freezing them and then throwing them in the trash. You also can heat your water up to 140 degrees [Fahrenheit] and that should kill any invasive species present.” 

Davis says people should not toss infected moss balls down any drain or into any water source. 

South Dakota is one of 21 states so far to find the destructive mussel. 

There are zebra mussels in the Missouri River as well as several lakes in eastern South Dakota.