Officials Emptying Colorado Reservoir To Eliminate ‘Voracious Predator' Before It Wipes Out Multiple Endangered Species

By Logan Smith, CBS Denver:

MESA COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – The complete draining of a reservoir on Colorado’s Western Slope is underway in an effort to rid the small lake of northern pike before the illegally introduced predators devour four species of endangered fish that have been recovering there for more than three decades.

The northern pike were first spotted at Mack Mesa Reservoir by anglers last fall, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. CPW officials conducted an immediate sample count and removed several adult northern pike. Additional fish were later discovered during a time when northern pike are known to spawn.

“Northern pike are a voracious predator that cannot be managed in Mack Mesa,” explained Ben Felt, CPW’s aquatic biologist for the Grand Junction area.

CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.