Left to right: Conservation K-9s Winnie, Hilo and Jane.
Conservation K-9s are a valuable part of Alberta’s efforts to prevent invasive mussels from entering our province. Working alongside watercraft inspectors, they use their highly trained sense of smell to detect mussels in hard-to-see areas of boats and shorelines, helping stop them before they reach Alberta’s waters. That’s why we’ve welcomed two new K-9s, Jane and Winnie, to join veteran Hilo in protecting Alberta’s waterways and keeping our province mussel-free.
“Thank you to Jane and Winnie for joining Hilo to help protect Alberta from aquatic invasive species. Together, we’re strengthening Alberta’s national leadership in prevention and safeguarding our lakes, rivers and streams for future generations.”
Protecting Alberta’s waters starts with preventing the spread of invasive mussels. These destructive species can threaten aquatic ecosystems, damage infrastructure and create major economic impacts. A single watercraft carrying invasive mussels can put an entire waterbody at risk, making early detection and prevention essential to protecting Alberta’s environment and economy.
“The best way to stop invasive mussels is to prevent them from arriving in the first place. These conservation dogs are another incredible tool helping Alberta protect our lakes, rivers, and water infrastructure before irreversible damage occurs.”
Meet the dogs
Alberta’s Conservation K-9 teams underwent extensive training in the United States over the last few months, where they learned to identify all three known species of invasive freshwater mussels present in North America.
Hilo
Hilo is Alberta’s veteran Conservation K-9 and has spent more than a decade protecting the province’s ecosystems. He is very excited to have two new teammates to mentor and has already begun showing them all the excitement a career protecting the environment has to offer. While on shift, Hilo is very methodical and careful, which is quite at odds with his joyful and fun-loving personality when he’s off the clock. Hilo is a great ambassador for the program, happily showing off his sniffing skills for anyone who wants to watch.
Jane
Jane is a black Labrador retriever who has found her true calling in environmental protection. She has a keen ability to work through distractions, remaining engaged with her task above all else. When she isn’t on the clock protecting Alberta's ecosystems, she is incredibly eager for new squeaky toys and loves nothing more than a good game of fetch with her favorite ball.
Winnie
Winnie is originally from Kansas, where she was found in a shelter as a puppy. Her charm and work ethic were immediately recognized for a potential career as a working dog. Winnie is very friendly and is always excited to meet new people. Energetic and highly motivated, Winnie is happiest with a toy in her mouth and with humans nearby to praise her fine detection skills.
“The Conservation K-9 Program plays a critical role in safeguarding Alberta’s lakes, reservoirs and irrigation systems from invasive zebra, quagga, and golden mussels. We applaud the provincial government for its continued commitment to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.”
Alberta is taking a comprehensive approach to preventing invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species from entering our province. Conservation K-9s are one important tool, alongside a record 12 watercraft inspection stations operating this year, the most ever delivered through the program. All motorized and non-motorized watercraft entering Alberta are required to undergo inspection, with some of the highest penalties in North America helping reinforce compliance and protect our waters.
Protecting our waterbodies protects Alberta’s ecosystems, infrastructure and economy, helping safeguard agriculture, wildlife, recreation and the communities that depend on healthy waterways.
Quick facts:
- So far in 2026, Alberta has intercepted six watercraft carrying invasive mussels attempting to enter Alberta.
- From May 1 until Sept. 30, mandatory inspections are in effect for anyone entering Alberta with watercraft across the eastern and southern provincial borders. If the closest inspection station is closed, Albertans and visitors must get their watercraft inspected within seven days and before launching into Alberta’s waters.
- Alberta’s fines are the highest in North America:
- $4,200 for failing to stop at an open inspection station.
- $600 for failing to remove a drain plug when transporting a watercraft within Alberta.
- In 2025, 21,995 boats were inspected, over 8,495 more than during 2024.
- 13 watercraft carrying invasive mussels attempted to enter Alberta.
- Contaminated watercraft all entered from the eastern provinces in Canada or the United States.
Related information
- Conservation K-9 Program
- Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force
- Aquatic Invasive Species
- Watercraft Inspections
- Clean Drain Dry
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