Alberta brings in more good dogs to sniff out invasive mussels, protect irrigation
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Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – Alberta has added two more good dogs to sniff out bad mussels across the province.
The highly trained detection dogs are part of the province’s ongoing efforts to prevent invasive mussels from entering its waterways.
“The Conservation K-9 Program plays a critical role in safeguarding Alberta’s lakes, reservoirs and irrigation systems from invasive zebra, quagga, and golden mussels,” notes Margo Jarvis Redelback, executive director of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association, adding it’s imperative to stop the spread of invasive mussels.
Grant Hunter, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, thanked the dogs for helping “protect Alberta from aquatic invasive species,” and “safeguarding our lakes, rivers and streams for future generations.”
Invasive mussel species threaten aquatic ecosystems, damage infrastructure and create major economic impacts. A single watercraft carrying invasive mussels can put an entire waterbody at risk. It’s why early detection and prevention are essential.
“The best way to stop invasive mussels is to prevent them from arriving in the first place,” says Megan Evans, executive director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council. “These conservation dogs are another incredible tool helping Alberta protect our lakes, rivers, and water infrastructure before irreversible damage occurs.”
Alberta’s Conservation K-9 teams underwent extensive training in the United States over the last few months. The dogs learned to identify all three known species of invasive freshwater mussels present in North America.
Related: Canada thistle tops Alberta’s 2025 invasive species list
Alberta’s Conservation K-9 teams underwent extensive training in the United States over the last few months, where they learned to identify all three known species of invasive freshwater mussels present in North America.
Along with the dogs, Alberta has a record 12 watercraft inspection stations operating this year, inspecting all motorized and non-motorized watercraft entering Alberta. The province has some of the highest penalties in North America to reinforce compliance and protect its waters, including $4,200 for failing to stop at an open inspection station and $600 for failing to remove a drain plug when transporting a watercraft within Alberta.
In 2025, almost 22,0000 boats were inspected, 13 of which were carrying invasive mussels.
ABOUT THE DOGS
HILO
Hilo is Alberta’s veteran Conservation K-9 and has spent more than a decade protecting the province’s ecosystems. He is very excited to have two new teammates to mentor and has already begun showing them all the excitement a career protecting the environment has to offer. While on shift, Hilo is very methodical and careful, which is quite at odds with his joyful and fun-loving personality when he’s off the clock. Hilo is a great ambassador for the program, happily showing off his sniffing skills for anyone who wants to watch.
JANE
Jane is a black Labrador retriever who has found her true calling in environmental protection. She has a keen ability to work through distractions, remaining engaged with her task above all else. When she isn’t on the clock protecting Alberta’s ecosystems, she is incredibly eager for new squeaky toys and loves nothing more than a good game of fetch with her favourite ball.
WINNIE
Winnie is originally from Kansas, where she was found in a shelter as a puppy. Her charm and work ethic were immediately recognized for a potential career as a working dog. Winnie is very friendly and is always excited to meet new people. Energetic and highly motivated, Winnie is happiest with a toy in her mouth and with humans nearby to praise her fine detection skills.
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