CPW explains threat of non-native fish species posed to native, threatened fish populations
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) Colorado Parks and Wildlife says that the introduction of non-native fish species into local lakes and other waterways is a common occurrence but one that is nearly impossible to stop or enforce.
The matter took on a sense of urgency this month when CPW began draining Mack Mesa Reservoir, north of Grand Junction, because of the appearance of Great northern pike a predator that eats other fish and endangers four endangered or threatened native species repopulating in that reservoir.
However, CPW considers the presence of such a predator to be more of a threat on the western slope than elsewhere in Colorado because of a higher number of limited native fish species west of the Continental divide.
Officials emptying reservoir to eliminate ‘voracious predator’
MESA COUNTY, Colorado (KCNC) The complete draining of a reservoir on Colorado’s Western Slope is underway in an effort to rid the small lake of northern pike before the illegally introduced predators devour four species of endangered fish that have been recovering there for more than three decades.
The northern pike were first spotted at Mack Mesa Reservoir by anglers last fall, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. CPW officials conducted an immediate sample count and removed several adult northern pike. Additional fish were later discovered during a time when northern pike are known to spawn.
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Officials Emptying Colorado Reservoir To Eliminate ‘Voracious Predator’ Before It Wipes Out Multiple Endangered Species
CBS Denver 1 hr ago Syndicated Local – CBS Denver
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – The complete draining of a reservoir on Colorado’s Western Slope is underway in an effort to rid the small lake of northern pike before the illegally introduced predators devour four species of endangered fish that have been recovering there for more than three decades.
The northern pike were first spotted at Mack Mesa Reservoir by anglers last fall, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. CPW officials conducted an immediate sample count and removed several adult northern pike. Additional fish were later discovered during a time when northern pike are known to spawn.
Officials Emptying Reservoir To Eliminate Voracious Predator Before It Wipes Out Several Endangered Species
The complete draining of a western slope reservoir is underway in an effort to rid the small lake of northern pike before the illegally introduced predators devour four species of endangered fish that have been recovering there for more than three decades, CBS Denver reports.
The northern pike were first spotted at the Mack Mesa Reservoir by anglers last fall, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
CPW officials conducted an immediate sample count and removed several adult northern pike. Additional fish were later discovered during a time when northern pike are known to spawn.