Biologists save mussels trapped near demolished Indiana dam

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - Wildlife biologists have rescued thousands of freshwater mussels left stranded out of water in central Indiana following the demolition of a dam along the White River.

The scientists with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources joined staff from the Muncie Sanitary District in hand-collecting nearly 2,800 mussels representing 16 native species last week along the river at Muncie's McCulloch Park.

The mussels were relocated to a section of the river farther downstream.

The Star Press reports that recent demolition of a dam at the Muncie park had lowered and narrowed the river, leaving the mussels stranded high and dry.

Brant Fisher is a DNR aquatic biologist. He says the agency was ready to give the mussels a lift because they "can't move fast or far" and likely would have died.

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Information from: The Star Press, http://www.thestarpress.com