Yellowstone cutthroat trout

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The Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri) is a subspecies of the Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) and is a freshwater fish in the salmon family (family Salmonidae) of order Salmoniformes. Found only in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, centered on Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone cutthroat trout is a prized game fish species. The threat of overfishing and interbreeding with similar species, the introduction of Lake trout into Yellowstone cutthroat trout spawning areas, and several outbreaks of whirling disease in major spawning tributaries have all led to a significant decline in their population. Attempts as recently as 2004 by environmentalists to have the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service place the subspecies on the list of Endangered Species was not approved by the agency, citing evidence that major efforts are already underway to ensure the continued existence of this subspecies. All Yellowstone Cutthroat trout caught within Yellowstone National Park must be released back into the water. Areas outside of the national park have slightly different guidelines depending on the location of the stream or waterway.

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