Missouri issues warning to kill animal that sneaked into U.S.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a stern warning to local fishermen to kill this dangerous predator immediately if they spot it, as it is destroying the ecosystem.

Authorities say if anyone spots the northern snakehead, a fish native to Asia found in U.S. waters, it should be killed.

The marine animal can grow up to 3 feet long and can survive on land for days out of water, the New York Post reported.

The species is characterized by a python-like color pattern to distinguish it from the similar-looking native bowfin fish.

“They are fierce predators, preying on native species and competing for resources,” the MDC said in its warning.

Reports of this dangerous animal have increased since 2019. A local fisherman in Missouri recently caught it on May 25 at the Lake Wappapero spillway in Wayne County.

The animals are roaming U.S. waters after likely being released from aquariums and fish markets, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

The agency says they could “eliminate” native fish species.

“Anglers realized there was something different about this fish and studied the characteristics of the fish and ultimately realized it was indeed a snakehead,” said MDC fisheries biologist Dave Knuth.

“The angler left it on the sidewalk for hours, thinking it would die, but it didn’t.”

The MDC advises fishermen to “kill the fish by cutting off the head, removing the entrails or placing the fish in sealed plastic bags”.

“Do not release the fish or throw it to shore as it may swim back into the water or to a new body of water.”