S.C. Anglers Should Kill Invasive Snakehead If Caught
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources officials are warning anglers that if the invasive Northern snakehead fish is caught in the Palmetto State, anglers should kill it immediately and by all means NOT release it back into the water. In early October, a Georgia angler reported catching a Northern snakehead, an aquatic invasive species, in a pond located on private property in Gwinnett County, Ga. This is the first time the Northern snakehead has been confirmed in Georgia waters. In the Southeast, Northern snakeheads have also been found in North Carolina and Florida. If you believe you have caught a Northern snakehead:
- DO NOT RELEASE IT
- Kill it immediately (remember, it can survive on land) and freeze it.
- If possible, take pictures of the fish, including closeups of its mouth, fins and tail.
- Note where it was caught (waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates).
- Report it to the SCDNR by calling 1-800-922-5431.