Scientists Search for Rare Mussel on Alabama’s Upper Tallapoosa River

Please CLICK HERE to visit the Alabama NewsCenter website to see this article in its entirety and any other images or videos that go with the article.

By Michael Sznajderman

On a steamy July morning, along a quiet stretch of the Tallapoosa River north of Wedowee, a small team of biologists from Alabama Power and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) eyed the fast-moving water. The prior day’s rain had turned the river murky – not the best circumstances to search for an elusive and threatened species of freshwater mussel.

Conditions were better the prior morning, when the team scoured a four-mile section of the Little Tallapoosa River, to the north. During that day’s survey, biologists found freshwater mussels – but not the one they were seeking: the finelined pocketbook.

Somewhat disappointed but undaunted, the team plans to return to the river in August, when drier conditions will hopefully aid the ongoing search.

Category: ALL POSTS, Partner News Stories