The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has issued an invasive species alert following the confirmation that a northern snakehead was landed last month in Asa Pond, located within the Tri-Pond Park area of South Kingstown.
The invasive specimen was caught by local angler Noah G. of Wakefield, who promptly turned the fish over to state wildlife officials for identification and analysis. How exactly this invasive and non-native fish was introduced into Asa Pond remains under investigation.
Named for their distinct, elongated head and scale patterns, northern snakeheads are aggressive predatory fish native to Asia that have been illegally introduced into various freshwater systems across the United States. The species poses a severe ecological threat to Rhode Island’s native freshwater fish populations through direct predation and competition for food sources. Equipped with a primitive air-breathing organ, snakeheads are capable of surviving out of water for several hours and can slither across land to invade adjacent waterways.
Environmental officials remind the public that it is strictly illegal to transport, possess, or release live snakeheads anywhere within Rhode Island. Anglers fishing in Asa Pond and surrounding waters are urged to remain vigilant and report any additional sightings to state authorities.
If an angler hooks a northern snakehead in Rhode Island waters, the fish must not be returned to the water under any circumstances. Anglers are instructed to humanely dispatch the specimen immediately, taking care when handling the fish as they feature a mouth full of sharp teeth and can deliver a painful bite. Captured specimens should be preserved, and anglers should immediately contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife to arrange for staff pickup and data collection.
