KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Invasive mudsnails found in Olympia lake
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Associated Press - November 25, 2009 1:25 PM ET
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - State officials say that Olympia's Capitol Lake is infested with invasive New Zealand mudsnails.
The tiny snails - about an eighth of an inch long - reproduce rapidly and can crowd out other species that serve as food for fish. Because they are so small, the snails can easily be transported on clothing, boats or pets.
The state Department of General Administration, which manages the 260-acre lake, has temporarily closed all three boat launches and has asked people to stay off the lake. State scientists are trying to figure out how to deal with the infestation.
The snails previously have been found in the lower Columbia River and on Washington's Long Beach Peninsula.
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