Wildlife officers believe snakeheads were dumped into Beck’s Pond in Bear
Published: Friday, August 19, 2011 9:33 AM CDT
http://www.newarkpostonline.com/articles/2011/08/19/news/doc4e4e74288c91b741076439.txt
Following the discovery of invasive northern snakeheads in Becks Pond in Bear, Del. the state Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section is seeking information from the public that would lead to a suspect or suspects who placed the fish in the pond.
State and federal law prohibits possession of the predatory fish, a species that can impact other fish, amphibians and invertebrates.
Anyone with information that might help the investigation is asked to call Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, at 302-542-6102, or call Enforcement dispatch at 302-739-4580.
“We believe these fish were illegally introduced into Becks Pond, and we are actively seeking the party or parties responsible,” Rhodes said.
Following an incident last Wednesday, Aug. 10 in which a New Castle County teen kayaking in the pond was bitten by a snakehead while trying to capture some of its young, DNREC fisheries biologists surveyed the pond on Aug. 16. One 25-inch adult snakehead was captured, along with several hundred juveniles about 1 to 1 ½ inches long. Two more adult snakeheads were seen and biologists suspect more may be present in the popular pond, which is known to anglers for its bass, crappie and bluegill.
“Snakeheads are known for aggressively protecting their young,” said Fisheries Biologist Stewart Michels, noting that anyone fishing in the pond should avoid attempting to capture schools of small fish.
Northern snakeheads are long slender fish with long anal fins reaching from mid-body to tail. The pelvic fins on the belly and pectoral fins behind the gills are very close together. The dorsal fin on the back runs from the back of the head to the tail. The mouth is large and has sharp teeth. Coloration is generally tan with dark brown blotchy bands.
The Fisheries Section asks that any possible snakehead catches in Becks Pond or other Delaware waters be reported by calling 302-739-9914. Photos may be sent to catherine.martin@state.de.us. Snakeheads should not be released back into the water but should be killed or frozen.