SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife says their personnel have removed 22 highly invasive northern pike from Carefree Lake on San Juan Island over the past two months.

Northern pike are aggressive predators that target large numbers of amphibians, birds, small mammals and fish, including endangered salmon and trout.

A Fish and Wildlife spokesperson says they will overpopulate and cause “significant impacts” on the state’s aquatic ecosystems if left unchecked.

Fish and Wildlife is asking any anglers that catch northern pike to kill the fish immediately, take a photo and report it to them.

The department believes the pike may have been illegally introduced to more waterbodies on San Juan Island and are actively investigating.

Anyone with tips regarding how the pike got to the San Juans is asked to contact Fish and Wildlife police.

You can also call 877-933-9847 or by anonymously texting 847411 (TIP411)