 Two new cases of zebra mussels were recently confirmed in the Brainerd Lakes area. Clayton Castle takes a closer look. They're back. If there's one invasive species that's synonymous with Summeroth Lake, it's the zebra mussels. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed two cases of zebra mussels in Crow Wing County, including Lake Edward, and the mine pits in Kuyuna Country State Recreational Area. So zebra mussels are a mollusk. They're a bivalve, which means they're basically two shells connected by a mussel and they're filter feeders. Zebra mussels can be dangerous for both people and boats alike. And then if people aren't careful, you know, they can cut themselves with the shell on the shell. And also, you know, a boat that is moored or left in water for a time period, particularly a few days or more, we will see mussels start to attach to the bottom of a boat or even make their way into some of the engine parts. Now, one thing that does concern the DNR is the spread of the zebra mussels, especially at the lakes here in Crosby, primarily because a lot of the lakes are connected. The lake in Crosby is Monoman mine pit one and two, and it's also connected to the Pennington Mine, which has the major state public access point. And so, you know, it moves people to know that because, you know, that is a very popular spot in Crosby for recreational diving, fishing, just kayaking in general. However, for some zebra mussels aren't stopping them from hitting the water. They're beautiful lakes. They're deep lakes. They're still clear. You can still enjoy them. And the zebra mussels haven't seemed to affect any of the fishing or anything like that. So it's been really good either way. Now, while there are two confirmed cases of zebra mussels in Crowing County, the DNR says they only find zebra mussels in a very small percentage of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. Reporting in Crosby, Clayton Castle, Lakeland News. Overall, now there are almost 50 confirmed cases in bodies of water in Crowing County of zebra mussels. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.