Alberta is boosting its front-line defence against invasive species — with a little extra bark and a lot of bite. Two newly-trained conservation dogs, Winnie and Jane, have joined veteran K-9 Hilo as part of the province’s watercraft inspection team, helping stop invasive mussels from slipping into Alberta’s lakes and rivers. The dogs work alongside human inspectors, using their highly-trained sense of smell to detect zebra, quagga and golden mussels in hard-to-see areas of boats and shorelines. “Together, we’re strengthening Alberta’s national leadership in prevention and safeguarding our lakes, rivers and streams for future generations,” Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said in a statement. According to the ministry, all motorized and non-motorized watercraft entering Alberta must undergo inspection, with 12 inspection stations operating this year. So far in 2026, inspectors have intercepted six watercraft carrying invasive mussels attempting to enter the province. Officials say a single contaminated boat can introduce mussels capable of damaging ecosystems, clogging infrastructure and triggering costly economic impacts. The province says its prevention-first approach, backed by some of the highest fines in North America, is key to protecting ecosystems, agriculture and communities that rely on clean water.
