(SitNews) Fairbanks, Alaska - Last week the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks, received calls about arctic lamprey found in strange locations. The local Value Village store found a live lamprey in their parking lot and placed it in a bucket of water. Another resident called and said he found one on his lawn! 4 lamprey were found on land so far. How is this happening?

Lamprey latched on to the fish tank glass in Fairbanks ADF&G office.
Photo courtesy Fairbanks ADF&G

According to the Department of Fish & Game, the answer is probably gulls. Gulls are picking them out of the Chena River with their bills and then dropping the squirming critters while in flight.

Close up of lamprey showing gill pouches.
Photo courtesy Fairbanks ADF&G

Arctic lampreys spawn in the Chena River, and live in the mud underwater as juveniles for several years. However, many lifelong Alaskans have never seen one of these fascinating fish up close because their body shape and feeding habits make them difficult to catch. Lampreys also die soon after spawning.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Fish & Game
www.adfg.state.ak.us

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