News, Environment

Higher temperatures spur Alaska’s invasive pike to eat more, a bad sign for salmon

A University of Alaska Fairbanks study focusing on the Deshka River found that the predators have become even more voracious as the climate has warmed

by Yereth Rosen - Alaska Beacon April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

An invasive northern pike is shown to have its stomach stuffed with tiny juvenile salmon. Invasive northern pike are well-established on the Deshka River, where they are eating their way through the supply of salmon and other fish. As tempertures have risen, pike are eating more, a new study found. (Courtesy/Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

Invasive northern pike have wreaked havoc in Southcentral Alaska rivers and lakes. Introduced illegally in the 1950s, they have…