Invasive Species Alien To The West Coast Is Growing At 'Terrifying Speed', Costing Millions To Eradicate

Invasive species known as the Golden Mussels is causing clogging problems that lead to poor water quality in the West Coast (Photo from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

A fast-spreading invasive species is wreaking havoc along the United States' West Coast, with officials warning that the environmental and financial toll is already running into millions of dollars as authorities race to contain its advance.

The culprit is the golden mussel, a highly destructive freshwater mollusc that has recently triggered emergency measures across parts of California after infiltrating key waterways and threatening critical infrastructure.