To encourage aquarium owners to dispose of their moss balls that could have zebra mussels, Wyoming Game and Fish has launched a month-long take-back program.

Anyone who returns a moss ball to one of the following drop-off sites by May 15 can scan a QR code to enter into a raffle to win $1,200:

  • Johnson County Emergency Management, 26 N. DeSmet, Buffalo
  • Game and Fish Sheridan Regional Office, 700 Valley View Dr., Sheridan
  • Game and Fish Cody Regional Office, 2820 Highway 120, Cody
  • Game and Fish Jackson Regional Office, 420 N. Cache St., Jackson
  • Game and Fish Pinedale Regional Office, 432 E. Mill St., Pinedale
  • Game and Fish Green River Regional Office, 351 Astle Ave. ​Green River
  • Game and Fish Lander Regional Office, 260 Buena Vista Dr., Lander
  • Game and Fish Casper Regional Office, 3030 Energy Ln., Casper
  • Game and Fish Laramie Regional Office, 1212 S. Adams St., Laramie
  • Game and Fish Headquarters, 5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne

"Every moss ball returned helps prevent the potential spread of zebra mussels,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator.

"Just because you don’t see a mussel, doesn’t mean its tiny offspring are not there," Leonard added. "That’s why disposing of all moss balls is vital, as well as the water they’ve been in."

Zebra mussels were discovered for the first time in Wyoming in March on moss balls sold in pet stores, prompting the state Department of Agriculture to sign a quarantine order banning moss balls.

“Please do not buy more moss balls,” Leonard said. “Game and Fish is still working to contain the threat of zebra mussels in Wyoming, and a major key to protecting our state is the public’s help.”

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