In previous reports, snakehead fish species has been spotted in Georgia, and it has been also spotted in 14 states in America. As the report of snakehead fish sighting started to spread in the states, wildlife officials urged the public to kill it once they find one.
The physical appearance of this invasive fish may look terrifying just like the monsters in sci-fi movies—it has long dorsal fins, large mouth, shiny teeth, and spotted body. Although it looks scary, the appearance is not the reason why authorities want them dead.
The snakehead fish is a freshwater fish that can grow to about three feet. It is a member of the fish family Channidae, native to parts of Asia and Africa. U.S. scientists have discovered four species of snakeheads in Hawaii, Florida, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Rhode Island. Snakeheads can survive in both land and water.
On Yahoo's News Blog, it says there is bounty that has been placed on snakeheads because they are "upsetting the natural order of the local ecosystem." The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Inland Fisheries (DNR) is giving $200 gift card through Bass Pro Shops to those individuals who can capture snakeheads.
DNR wants to prevent the increasing population of this species because they can wipe out the local bass population, DNR said.
"We do not want snakeheads in our waters," Director of DNR, Don Cosden told FoxNews.com.
If you are interested in getting the gift card, you need to upload a picture of yourself with a dead snakehead fish to the DNR Angler's website.
Voracious Eaters
Snakeheads usually eat fish. However, they also eat frogs and other aquatic wildlife—that's why they are a threat in the state's waters. They're not picky eaters—this is the reason why they stay alive in land.
Illegal to own as a pet
It is unlawful to own a snakehead in some states, including Florida, Texas, Alabama, California, and Washington. Importing a snakehead and its eggs into the State of Maryland is illegal.
Carrier of disease
Snakehead fish is a host that can spread parasites or diseases—among the diseases it carries is Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome. As of now, scientists are finding out if the said disease can be transferred to North American species. The scary truth about it is that the humans can be affected by the transmission of parasites or diseases carried by this species, according to Virginia Department of Inland Game and Fisheries.
