In the journal Polar Biology, they report that the balls can persist for years and move around in a coordinated, herdlike fashion that the researchers can not yet explain.

Intrigued, he and two colleagues set out to study these strange moss balls. 'They're bright green in a world of white.'

'They're not attached to anything and they're just resting there on ice,' he says. Scattered across the glacier were balls of moss.

He's a glaciologist at the University of Idaho. 'What the heck is this!' Bartholomaus recalls thinking. If zebra mussels are in a tank or on a moss ball, take a photo if possible and report the observation via email to or by phone: (518) 402-9405īe advised, just because zebra mussels might not be seen does not mean their larvae are not present.In 2006, while hiking around the Root Glacier in Alaska to set up scientific instruments, researcher Tim Bartholomaus encountered something unexpected.For larger tanks that cannot be easily drained, email for instructions.Water from filters must also be treated with household bleach before disposing of water down the sink or drain Disinfect filters, gravel, and structures with a solution of bleach.To disinfect a tank after safely removing any animals, apply household bleach - one cup of bleach per gallon of water - and let it sit for 10 minutes before disposing of water down the sink or toilet.Other aquarium plants should also be disposed of as they may harbor zebra mussels Dispose of moss balls removed from tanks in a sealed garbage bag.DEC announces New Lebanon is a certified Climate Smart CommunityĬonsumers are advised to remove and properly dispose of any moss balls purchased within the last year by following these steps:

Mossballs download