Snakhead In Eastern Shore Pond

Type: Nontidal
Region: Eastern
Location: Burton's Pond

I caught a snakehead in a private pond that drains into the head of the Little Blackwater River. It was caught caught in Burton�s pond about .75 miles away from our office yesterday. The fish was not fresh or ever frozen, so not worthy of sampling. Evidently, there has been three caught in the pond and there is no tidal or stream connection to a tributary unless there are heavy rains.

DNR Response: Earlier this year, a northern snakehead was caught in Blackwater River and they likely came from the Nanticoke River. Following heavy rains and during spring, many times, the species moves upstream as far as they can go. In this case, the northern snakehead that got into Blackwater River likely entered Little Blackwater and then got into the pond during heavy rains. Thanks for being diligent in finding the fish and removing it from the ecosystem!