Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning residents and pet stores about a product that has been found carrying an invasive mussel species in Colorado pet stores.

Officials said zebra mussels were discovered in the Betta Buddy Marimo Balls sold at aquarium and pet supply stores throughout the state.

Colorado just finished ridding its reservoirs of invasive mussels in January, removing the final state reservoir from the infested list.

That accomplishment made Colorado the only state in the U.S. to de-list all mussel-positive waters.

To avoid losing that progress, CPW urged all pet stores to remove this product from their shelves immediately on Thursday.

Final Colorado reservoir removed from list of waters infested by invasive mussel species

“Zebra mussels are one of our most significant aquatic nuisance species concerns in Colorado,” said Robert Walters with CPW’s Invasive Species Program.

“If they enter our waterways, they can wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems, outdoor recreation, hydroelectric power equipment and the economy.”

CPW said anyone who has recently purchased the product should freeze or boil the Marimo Balls and then dispose of them in the trash. The product should not be flushed down the toilet.

Anyone who recently purchased the product and believes they may have a zebra mussel population in their aquarium is asked to contact CPW’s Invasive Species Program at 303-291-7295 for proper disposal methods.