In an impressive display of interagency cooperation, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, alongside the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and Trout Unlimited, collaborated to rescue 891 green suckers from a perilous situation at Oxbow Bend along the Snake River this winter.
This rescue was necessitated by unusual winter conditions where a spring-fed pool at Oxbow Bend remained unfrozen, drawing in green suckers but subsequently trapping them as the surrounding water froze. The conditions were not due to changes in the outflow from Jackson Lake Dam but rather natural environmental factors.
A Newly Identified Species
The green sucker, previously mistaken for the bluehead sucker due to their similar appearance, has been recently recognized as a distinct species through genetic testing. This differentiation adds a new dimension to conservation efforts in Wyoming, where the Upper Snake River is considered a stronghold for this species.
Clark Johnson, a fisheries biologist from the Jackson region, noted, “The Upper Snake River in Wyoming likely contains the majority of green suckers in existence.”
Rescue and Research Efforts
The rescue operation involved using large nets from rafts to gently guide the fish into a smaller area, where they were then scooped into coolers and transported by snowmobile to an ice-free section of the river upstream. Of the rescued fish, 43 were tagged with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to allow for future tracking and research on their movement and growth.
Looking Ahead
This event underscores the importance of ongoing research and conservation of Wyoming’s native fish species. The study of these fish, which began nearly 15 years ago, identified Oxbow Bend and the Snake River Canyon as critical overwintering areas. Future plans include tagging more fish to gather detailed data, aiding in long-term conservation strategies.
For more information or to view photos of the rescue operation, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s resources or contact local wildlife authorities.
(Photo courtesy of Karyn Schiller, Private Teton Tours)
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