The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that the Lacey Act prohibits the transportation, sale, purchase, and possession of the northern snakehead in the United States.
Importing or shipping “injurious” species, like the northern snakehead, is forbidden under the Lacey Act.
Fishing for northern snakeheads was advised by organizations such as the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. To kill the fish, the MDC suggested gutting it, removing its head, or placing it in a tight plastic bag.
If you kill a northern snakehead, report the fish to the conservation office in your state or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For the purpose of positively identifying the fish, the Missouri Department of Conservations requests that locals snap a picture of it.
