Snakeheads are hardy enough to survive up to four days on land, and can 'walk' by wriggling on their fins
Wildlife officials in the US are offering prizes for anglers who catch and destroy the so-called "fish from hell", an invasive species that can even "walk" on land.
The snakehead does not have many friends in America - it has even been dubbed "fishzilla" by National Geographic.
It is native to Africa and Asia but is believed to have made its way to the US through Asian seafood merchants.
Since then, the problem species, which can grow to more than two feet long, has devastated the ecosystems of lakes, ponds and streams across the country.
The fish are hardy enough to survive up to four days on land, and can roam up to 400 metres (435 yards) between bodies of water by wriggling on their fins.
In Maryland, environment officials are now offering rewards for fishermen who help purge the pest.
The state will give out fishing store gift cards to the value of £126 and discounts on boat hire, as well as other prizes for catching and killing the fish.
"We do not want snakeheads in our waters," said Don Cosden, from the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
"This initiative is a way to remind anglers that it is important to catch and remove this invasive species of fish."
To enter the contest, anglers must catch, kill and then post a picture of themselves with a dead snakehead caught in Maryland on the DNR's website.
The department's Joe Love added they did not expect snakeheads to be completely eradicated but the scheme aims to control the population.
"The information we gain from the (anglers') reports are also helpful in assessing the abundance, spread and impact of these feisty fish," he said.
It is the second time Maryland has offered rewards for snakeheads - last year, 69 anglers entered the contest, killing 82 of the creatures.
http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16203804
http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16203804
No comments:
Post a Comment
You only need to enter your comment once! Comments will appear once they have been moderated. This is so as to stop the would-be comedian who has been spamming the comments here with inane and often offensive remarks. You know who you are!