A fisherman reported catching a 6-8" Northern Snakehead Fish at Allen Pond on Sunday July 2. The fish escaped back into the pond while the fisherman was extracting it from the pole. While this report cannot be substantiated, the City Park Operations Division is taking it very seriously. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been contacted and we are awaiting instructions on what actions we must take, if any.

Northern Snakeheads are an invasive fish first discovered in Maryland in 2002 in a pond in Crofton, Maryland.  Northern Snakehead Fish attack a variety of tackle used in bass fishing such as spinners, frogs, and worms. It is illegal to transport a live Snakehead Fish and Maryland Department of Natural Resources prefer the fisherman not throw the fish back into water. If one is caught, it must be killed immediately. If anyone suspects they have caught a Northern Snakehead Fish at Allen Pond Park, please contact Park Operations Manager Sheri Beach 301-806-3086 or sbeach@cityofbowie.org. You can also contact the Park Ranger on duty at 240-508-3881.