BRAINERD, Minn. - Two central Minnesota lakes have been designated as infested with zebra mussels, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported.
Adult zebra mussels were found in Gilbert and North Long lakes near Brainerd in Crow Wing County.
The initial discovery was reported by the parents of two boys who retrieved a plastic container with attached zebra mussels while snorkeling in Gilbert Lake. A few days later, children swimming in North Long Lake found zebra mussels, and their parents reported the discovery, the DNR said.
DNR aquatic biologists searched both lakes and found additional specimens to confirm the infestation.
Signs will be posted at public accesses to both lakes alerting people to take precautions to avoid spreading the invasive species to other lakes.
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Information about zebra mussels, how to inspect boats and other water equipment, and a list of infested waters is available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/ais .
