Officials declare ‘urgent’ threat as invasive species never before seen in North America is discovered: ‘A serious challenge’

The Cool Down —

A tiny invasive species no bigger than a paper clip is causing concerns across Northern California’s waterways. Golden mussels, never before seen in North America until October, have been discovered clinging to equipment in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, reported SFGate.

These caramel-colored mollusks from China and Southeast Asia were likely introduced by international shipping vessels and have already spread to multiple California water bodies, including the San Luis Reservoir.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released a plan to stop these little invaders, calling them an “urgent invasive species threat.”

“The discovery of golden mussels in California is a serious challenge that requires coordinated action and a long-term commitment,” CDFW Director Charlton Bonham said in a news release, per SFGate.

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