Golden mussels, a dangerous and invasive species, were recently found for the first time in North America in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California, according to The Sacramento Bee.
What’s happening?
The invasive mussel was discovered by wildlife officials in the Port of Stockton, and it has possibly also infiltrated Merced County. Genetic testing was conducted to confirm whether or not the species found there were golden mussels, the Bee reported.
Officials told the Bee they believe the bivalve most likely came to California via a ship traveling from an international port.
Native to Southeast Asia and China, golden mussels quickly multiplied and spread across South America. Similar to other invasive mussels, the golden mussel is capable of endangering native species and causing issues with waterways…