BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality cautions waterfowl and upland bird hunters to watch for potentially toxic blue-green algae in wetlands and lakes while in the field this fall.

Blue-green algae can produce cyanotoxins, which if ingested, can cause severe health effects in both dogs and humans. Common side effects for humans exposed to water containing cyanotoxins include diarrhea and vomiting, numb lips, tingling fingers and toes, dizziness, rashes, hives, and skin blisters. Canine deaths, seizures, vomiting, and skin irritation have all been linked to these blooms. There are no known antidotes for cyanotoxins.

Be on the lookout for algae with the appearance of grass clippings floating in the water, clumps/puffballs or green cottage cheese. It can also make the water appear like spilled green paint or green pea soup and is commonly bright green or turquoise in color.

If you or your hunting dog accidentally swims in water that might have a blue-green algal bloom, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.

Report suspected blue-green algae blooms to the NDDEQ at 328-5210 or by clicking the “Report a Bloom Here!” button on our HABs Story Map. It may take some time to receive laboratory test results, so the public should be cautious and avoid waters that look discolored, scummy, or have a foul odor.

Water advisories and warnings are posted on the department’s Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Story Map at www.tinyurl.com/WMP-HABS.