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FRAZEE, Minn. (AP)

DNR to try to kill zebra mussels with pesticide

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Zebra mussels
This undated photo provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows a group of zebra mussels, taken from Lake Erie. Dozens of foreign species could spread across the Great Lakes in coming years and cause significant damage to the environment and economy, despite policies designed to keep them out, a federal report says.
AP Photo/U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans to use a pesticide to try to kill zebra mussels recently found in a lake in Otter Tail County.

DNR biologists surveyed Rose Lake on Wednesday and discovered a small number of juvenile zebra mussels in a small area of the 1,200-acre lake.

The agency suspects the zebra mussels were recently transported to the lake on a boat lift. The mussels' small size suggests they are not at reproductive stage yet.

DNR invasive species unit supervisor Luke Skinner says the early detection means it's possible the agency may be able to kill the pests before they establish a reproducing population.

As early as next week, the DNR plans to apply copper sulfate, a chemical used to control snails that cause swimmer itch.

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Zebra mussels
This undated photo provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows a group of zebra mussels, taken from Lake Erie. Dozens of foreign species could spread across the Great Lakes in coming years and cause significant damage to the environment and economy, despite policies designed to keep them out, a federal report says.
AP Photo/U.S. Department of Agriculture