New dogs join Alberta’s fight against mussels

The article reports that Alberta is adding three new sniffer dogs—Hilo, Jane, and Winnie—to its efforts against invasive mussel species. It notes that, as of now, these invasive mussels have not been found in Alberta, and that mussels like golden, zebra, and quagga species are the targets, with mussel-sniffing dogs being rare (less than 1 in 1000).

The article reports that Alberta is expanding its program using detection dogs to combat invasive mussels, adding new canine recruits to bolster inspections at provincial border stations. The dogs work alongside human inspectors to detect mussels on boats entering Alberta, with the program already operating 11 inspection stations statewide.

Alberta is using specially trained dogs as part of its aquatic invasive species program to detect mussels at inspection stations as a preventative measure against invasive mussels entering the province. The dogs assist human inspectors in locating mussels on boats and shorelines, with trained dogs like Hilo, Jane, and Winnie currently active and new…

Alberta is expanding its program to use canine teams to detect invasive mussels at inspection stations and boats entering the province, aiming to prevent mussel introductions. The program already includes 11 stations with dogs like Hilo, Jane, and Winnie, and authorities say the threat remains high as related mussel species spread nearby.

The Alberta government is adding two more conservation dogs to join existing ones to sniff out invasive freshwater mussels around boats and shorelines. The three trained dogs can detect all three species of invasive mussels, and inspectors along with the dogs aim to prevent mussels from entering Alberta’s waters; six watercraft carrying mussels have…

The Alberta government is adding two new highly trained conservation K-9s, Jane and Winnie, to join veteran Hilo in detecting invasive mussels and protecting waterways. The program, supported by expanded inspections and strong penalties, aims to prevent mussels from entering Alberta, with six intercepted watercraft so far in 2026 and a mandatory…

The Alberta government is adding two trained detection dogs, Jane and Winnie, to its fight against invasive freshwater mussels, joining existing K-9 member Hilo and inspectors. The dogs can detect mussel odors faster and in hard-to-see areas, with training cost about $150,000 each plus ongoing training.

Two new conservation dogs, Winnie and Jane, have joined Alberta's ship inspection team to help K9 officer Milo track invasive mussels. Alberta’s Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter says the program strengthens the province’s preventive measures against invasive species, with 12 boat inspection stations and ongoing penalties for violations.