Minnesota's secret weapon against invasive zebra mussels is a dog named Molly

Minnesota's boating season includes a new line of defense against zebra mussels. A trained detection dog named Molly, with the Minnesota DNR, began training in March and recently helped officers flag a pontoon before it entered the St. Croix River, leading to a zebra mussel find. With infestations identified in more than 370 lakes and rivers statewide, early detection aims to slow the invaders’ spread by boats and trailers, which can transfer mussels between waterways. Conservation Officer Matt Brodin credited Molly with adding an extra layer of protection at launches.

Dogs’ noses can detect clues humans miss, complementing traditional checks by officers. Officials stress that prevention requires boaters to participate and report suspicious debris; the goal is to slow spread rather than eradicate established populations quickly. Zebra mussels can damage ecosystems by crowding native species and clogging pipes, while also raising hazards for swimmers. The DNR will continue using Molly and other tools to inspect launches and educate the public about minimizing human-assisted dispersal of the invasive species.