COLORADO – The Stoner Mesa Fire is wreaking havoc in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest, and it’s posing a risk to more than just the forestry.
A rare type of trout, the Uncompahgre Cutthroat, is in danger too. The fish are an essential part of maintaining the basin’s ecosystem diversity.
Colorado wildlife crews jumped into action -- heading to Wildcat Creek, where the trout reside, to evacuate them from danger.
In an impressive feat, the team managed to capture 266 of these special trout.
They then hit the road, driving 165 miles to a hatchery where they will remain until it is deemed safe to return them to their natural habitat.
This proactive measure ensures the preservation of their unique genetic traits, which have evolved specifically for their environment.
Kade Jackson, an aquatic biologist for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), emphasized the importance of these fish, stating, “those fish having evolved in the drainage have certain characteristics that make them successful in that environment. So we have these very small populations that could potentially blink out.”
If returning the trout to Wildcat Creek isn’t feasible, the CPW has plans to establish a new population elsewhere to ensure the continuation of their genetic lineage.