PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) - The City of Pineville has temporarily closed Lake Buhlow after a large number of dead mussels were found along the shoreline.

Mussels are an important part of the lake’s ecosystem because they help keep the water clean. Their sudden deaths raised concerns among officials and the community.

James Rachal, Pineville’s Parks and Recreation Director, said he noticed the mussels on the shore and contacted the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Officials came out to take samples and investigate the situation.

According to LDWF, the mussel die-off appears to be a natural event. Experts believe the high summer temperatures and low oxygen levels in the water caused the mussels to die. Unlike fish, mussels can’t move to areas with more oxygen, so they likely d

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