The northern pike is terrorizing Maine lakes as it feasts on other native fish species.

Illegally introduced into the Belgrade Chain of Lakes in the 1970s, the northern pike then migrated in Belgrade lakes drainage and more were illegally introduced to the environment. The population subsequently exploded across central and southern Maine, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW).

Like most invasive species, the northern pike is greatly threatening the natural ecosystem as the carnivorous fish is feasting on other native wildlife, including salmon and smallmouth bass.

As the population continues to expand, MDIFW officials said they are becoming harder to remove.

"While pike have likely reached their peak in the Belgrades, they are expanding elsewhere, so it does continue to grow," MDIFW Communications Director Mark Latti told Newsweek. "There is little that we can do concerning this, other than education and enforcement of laws pertaining to illegal stocking and possession of live fish. Sometimes it takes years for them to be discovered in a new water, and once they are discovered, the population is well established and impossible to eradicate."

The invasive species has become popular with recreational anglers, especially as it can grow to large sizes. The fish can grow to about 4 feet long and weigh 2 to 5 pounds.

However, many anglers will catch and release fish instead of killing them because they believe letting them go will allow them to grow, a report from WGME said.

Latti told WGME that if anyone is caught releasing the invasive species into water, they can be fined thousands of dollars. The fine acts as a deterrent for anyone thinking of illegally releasing the species.

Native fish species like salmon are important for their surrounding ecosystems, but many anglers have never seen one because of the prevalence of the northern pike.

An invasive fish species in Maryland has also been posing a serious threat to native fish.

In March, Maryland Governor Wes Moore asked the federal government to declare a commercial fishery disaster in the state as the invasive species, particularly blue catfish, continue to expand. The species has particularly been causing issues in the Chesapeake Bay off the Eastern Shore.

Blue catfish are of concern as they feast on native species, similar to what the northern pike does. They were first introduced to rivers in Virginia in the 1970s and 1980s for recreational fishing purposes.

Moore said in a statement at the time that it is "critical to act now" to mitigate the effects of the invasive species.

Update 5/5/23, 2:41 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to include quotes from Mark Latti.

Do you have an animal or nature story to share with Newsweek? Do you have a question about invasive species? Let us know via nature@newsweek.com.

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