A warning for dog owners: At least four dogs have died from blue-green algae poisoning so far in Minnesota this summer. And if the hot, dry weather continues, there could be more potentially deadly algae blooms.
"We've probably had 40 reports of blue-green algae issues, and four confirmed dog deaths," said Matt Lindon, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency specialist.
Lindon said officials don't know if there have been other unreported canine deaths.
The dog deaths involved Fountain Lake in Wright County, Circle Lake in Rice County and a pond in Mahtomedi.
The low water levels of many lakes and ponds combined with the recent high temperatures helps produce algae blooms.
"These algae prefer warm and nutrient rich waters, generally waters that get a lot of runoff, such as agriculture runoff," Lindon said.
The agency has asked veterinarians around the state to report any canine fatalities due to blue-green algae poisonings. There's been no documented cases of human illnesses, he said.
There are many blue-green algae, and only a few produce deadly toxins, but they are difficult to identify.
"If in doubt or if it looks like pea soup or paint on the water make sure your pets don't come in contact with it," Lindon said.
If the weather patterns continue, it could mean trouble for hunting dogs. The mourning dove and early Canada goose seasons open Sept. 1, and the ruffed grouse and other small game seasons open Sept. 15.
"When temperatures start to cool off, lakes should start to clear up," Lindon said. "Hopefully we'll get some rain and cooler weather."
Six-duck bag limit
Minnesota's duck hunters will get a six-duck daily bag limit this fall two more ducks than the past two seasons.
Though the state Department of Natural Resources could have allowed a six-duck bag the past two seasons, it elected to trim the daily bag to four ducks because of concerns over low resident mallard numbers.
But they have changed course this season.
With continental populations of many duck species at or near record highs and because much of the state's duck harvest is comprised of migrant birds officials felt they could increase the bag limit to six ducks without harming the resident duck population, said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl biologist.
The DNR's Waterfowl Committee recommended keeping the four-duck limit, but after discussions with DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten and other managers, officials decided the six-duck limit won't jeopardize the local mallard population.
"The difference in harvest when going from 6 to 4 ducks or vice versa is pretty minimal," Cordts said. "It would be hard to measure the difference."
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