The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently announced that silver carp, an invasive fish, have entered the lower Chippewa and Black Rivers. This discovery has raised concerns among local anglers and environmentalists, signaling that these invaders are approaching western Wisconsin's river systems.

In May, a sweep by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found no signs of invasive carp in the area. However, by July, local fishermen reported seeing fish jumping at the Dells Dam on the lower Chippewa River. The DNR observed these jumping fish on August 1 but couldn’t confirm their identity. The situation changed on August 27, when acoustic data revealed that a tagged silver carp had passed through the area several times, according to a release by Wisconsin DNR.

The lower Black River reported a fish invasion. An acoustic listener picked up a tagged silver carp on May 25 and June 5. This carp originally came from Pool 5A of the Mississippi River. It likely used the high water levels in June and early July to sneak into the tributary without permission. 

The river network is on high alert because the Red Cedar and Eau Claire Rivers could host invasive species. Meanwhile, the dam at Black River Falls is keeping these unwanted fish out of the upper areas of the Black River, and no signs of them have been reported downstream so far.

In response to the sightings, federal agencies are resampling the Chippewa River, and Wisconsinites are being asked to help watch for invasive species. The DNR advises "Anglers and others who capture any potential invasive carp are asked to euthanize the fish, put them on ice and contact a local aquatic invasive species staff, fisheries biologist or warden to confirm identification," as detailed in the DNR announcement.