According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division or WRD, early this month, an angler was spotted catching a snakehead in a pond that is located on private property in Gwinnett County. This is the first incident of snakehead fish being caught in Georgia.
Snakehead fish have been reported to be seen in 14 states in America, but this is the first time that it was confirmed, and the report came from Georgia. Snakehead fish is a thin fish with brown, blotchy color. They can grow up to three feet, and they have a long dorsal fin that runs along their back. What sets the snakehead fish apart from the other fish in the pond is that they can breathe air, and they can survive inland.
The Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division released a set of instructions for the public in case they see snakehead fish in their private property. They advised the public not to release the fish; they should be immediately killed and frozen. Take note that these fish can survive on land, so taking them out of the water won't kill them.
If possible, take pictures of the snakehead fish and include close-ups of its fins, tail, and mouth. Remember where the fish was caught and report the sighting immediately to Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Office, or if you live in another state and happen to spot a snakehead fish, you can contact your local DNR Wildlife Resources.
Snakehead fish is considered invasive because it causes imbalance in the ecosystem. Snakeheads do not have predators in ponds and private properties, so they can multiply, leaving no room for other species.
This problem is not only applicable to snakeheads but all kinds of invasive species. They can impact native species, and they can compete for food and habitat. The thing is, there is no known use for snakehead fish yet. To stop them from multiplying on a rapid phase, people are advised to kill and document snakeheads when they find one.
Unfortunately, there is no other way to get rid of snakeheads because, in Georgia, it is against the law to sell, transport, transfer, or possess any species of snakehead fish without a valid wild animal license. You will need to get a proper license and get numerous documents before you can possess or sell snakeheads, and that could take time.
