Dwindling populations of two freshwater mussels native to Minnesota and the Mississippi River have wildlife experts concerned about the species' survival.
As a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently proposed adding the sheepnose and spectaclecase mussels to the Endangered Species Act.
"Once we list a species, protective measures are applied," said Tamara Smith, a biologist at the Fish and Wildlife Field Office in Bloomington, Minn.
If listed, those measures would include full protection under the Endangered Species Act and prohibit the killing, transporting or selling of the mussels, said Laura Ragan, a wildlife biologist with the department. Recovery plans would also be developed.
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