Diesel and Handler Heather McCubbin inspect a boat for invasive species in this undated handout image. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)
The discovery of potential invasive zebra mussels has closed Whirlpool Lake and the campground area in Riding Mountain National Park until further notice.
Parks Canada says water samples taken this summer and fall tested positive for potential environmental DNA (eDNA) evidence of zebra mussels.
The aquatic species has been an ongoing concern in Manitoba since first appearing in 2013. Zebra mussels have yet to be found in Riding Mountain National Park itself, but parks staff aren’t taking any chances.
Further testing will be conducted in the summer of 2018. Staff will continue to monitor the situation closely and take action if a positive result is found.
