Florida Biologist Identifies Juvenile Fish Caught in Crofton Pond as Northern Snakehead

Florida Biologist Identifies Juvenile Fish Caught in Crofton Pond as Northern Snakehead
Property owner prohibits trespassing at and around pond; requests local and state law enforcement to assist in enforcement

CROFTON, MD (July 10, 2002) - Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service received notification today that the juvenile fish caught in a Crofton pond was positively identified as a northern snakehead by Dr. Walter Courtenay, a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Gainesville, Fla.
The 2.5-inch fish was caught by a local angler Monday night. While anglers have assisted the DNR Fisheries Service in catching and identifying northern snakehead fish found in the pond, the presence of juvenile fish increases the risk of possible contamination to other freshwater river or pond systems. DNR is aiming to contain the species in this pond.
The owners of the large and smaller ponds in the area have prohibited trespassing and asked Maryland Natural Resources Police and Anne Arundel County Police to assist in enforcement.
Citations carry a maximum $500 fine and/or 90 days jail time. Only persons accompanied by DNR personnel are permitted on the property.

Posted July 10, 2002