Rhode Island Northern Snakehead Alert

The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) recently released an invasive species alert for northern snakeheads. DFW made the alert after a northern snakehead was recently caught in Asa Pond, South Kingstown.

At the time of the alert, DFW was apparently not aware of how the snakehead ended up in Asa Pond. The department advised anglers to be on the lookout for additional northern snakeheads in the Tri-Pond Park area.

Named for their snake-like appearance, snakeheads are predatory fish native to Asia that have been introduced illegally to the United States. Snakeheads represent a risk to Rhode Island’s native freshwater fish. They can survive out of water for multiple hours due to a primitive lung and can travel to other bodies of water.

Rhode Island DFW Reminds Anglers:

• It is strictly prohibited to transport or release live snakeheads in RI.
• If you catch a snakehead in RI waters, anglers should humanely kill them and immediately contact DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at DEM.DFW@dem.ri.gov or 401-789-0281 to pick up the fish.
• DO NOT return caught snakeheads to the water, and be careful when handling them, as they can bite.
• Learn more about Northern Snakehead by visiting www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov

source: Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife