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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has found evidence of invasive Asian clams in Lake Elmo in the Billings Heights.

Biologists have initiated an investigation to determine how Asian clam shells got to Lake Elmo, how pervasive they are in the lake, and how far they may have spread in the waters surrounding the lake. To date, no live Asian clams have been found.

The discovery is the first evidence of invasive Asian clams in Montana since U.S. Geological Survey records noted discoveries of them in Clearwater and Flathead lakes in 1957 and 1960, respectively. The clams are found in 46 states including South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Several Asian clam shells were found near the Lake Elmo State Park boat ramp during a training session on early detection of aquatic invasive species. Representatives of several agencies and organizations that manage water in the region participated in the training. During the hands-on training, class participants from FWP found shells that they suspected were from Asian clams. The shells were sent to mollusk experts for verification.