Dead Pelicans, More Mussels Found in Montana This Week
Two separate incidents are raising concerns with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials.
Let's start with the good news/bad news scenario. Good news that FWP is finding boats carrying invasive mussels. Bad news that they've already found more this year than in all of 2020. More incoming boats carrying more mussels increases the likelihood that a few could slip through and potentially plague Montana waters.
This past Sunday, June 27, watercraft inspection stations in eastern Montana intercepted two boats entering the state carrying invasive mussels, making it the 35th and 36th mussel-fouled boats intercepted this year. This surpasses the total number of 35 mussel-fouled boats intercepted in 2020.
The Wibaux station found mussels on a used inboard ballast boat that had been recently purchased in Michigan and was destined for Billings. Inspectors decontaminated the hull and locked the boat. AIS staff in Billings will flush the ballast tanks before removing the lock from the boat.
And in a non-related and frankly, disgusting story, game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are seeking information on two pelicans that were recently shot and killed illegally on the Jefferson River. The pelicans were found near the Limespur Fishing Access Site, about a mile upstream from the entrance to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Wardens believe the birds were shot sometime between the afternoon of Saturday, June 19, and the morning of Sunday, June 20.
Remember folks, anyone with possible information about this incident or any other violation involving wildlife, you are always encouraged to call the Montana FWP violation reporting hot line at 1-800-TIP-MONT. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
LOOK: Stunning animal photos from around the world