Alberta, sniffer dogs are helping stop invasive mussels before they reach lakes and rivers

Alberta, Canada, is using trained detection dogs to stop invasive mussels before they reach lakes and rivers. Under the province’s “Conservation Canines” program, three working dogs—Hilo, Jane and Winnie—screen boats and equipment at inspection stations when vessels enter or leave Alberta. The dogs, including two black Labradors and a black Lab mix, are trained to detect zebra mussels and golden mussels by scent, targeting early larvae stages that are difficult for humans to find. Alberta law requires watercraft to stop at checkpoints where inspectors visually check and clean gear, but the dogs add an extra layer of sensitivity. The article stresses prevention is easier than removal because mussels spread quickly once established.