Wildlife Quiz - Northern Pike

Northern Pike

The Northern Pike (Esox lucius) exists as a freshwater species native to the Northern Hemisphere. The elongated and pointed head of the Northern Pike bears a resemblance to the pole like weapon known as the pike and therefore lead to the fish’s common name of “Pike”. Various other unofficial names exist for the fish including, green snake, northern and gator.

Ambush predators, Pike use their olive green shading to blend seamlessly into shallow vegetated areas where they quietly wait to attack unsuspecting prey species. Once an unsuspecting animal swims into striking distance, Pike move with alarming speed and voracity, using it’s razor sharp teeth to capture and decimate any small creature unfortunate enough to cross its path. Scientists studying Pike have examined their stomach contents and found consumed all manner of creatures, including ducks, muskrats, mice, baby loons, amphibians, invertebrates and all variety of fish.

Northern pike were initially introduced into Maine in the 1970’s, as the result of an illegal introduction into the Belgrade Chain of Lakes. Subsequent migration within the Belgrade lakes drainage and additional illegal introductions have expand the distribution to many lakes and ponds throughout the central and southern parts of the state.

In late March or early April mature Pike (2 years or older) move into the shallows and slow moving water in preparation of the act of spawning. Females deposit their adhesive eggs in aquatic vegetation where males widely distribute milt over the course of several days. Once successfully fertilized, the eggs typically hatch in about two weeks.

If able to successfully avoid predators, these small fry growth rapidly, reaching 15 inches in length at the conclusion of one year. The life expectancy of pike may exceed 15 years, with females generally living longer and achieve greater size than males. Northern pike are among the largest freshwater fish in Maine, topping the scales in excess of 31 pounds.

Wildlife Quiz Questions:

1. What is the native range of the Northern Pike?
2. How did the “Pike” get its name?
3. Scientists studying Pike have found what matter of creatures in their stomachs?
4. When were Pike introduced to Maine waters?
5. When do Pike reach sexual maturity?
6. When do Pike spawn?
7. How many inches long does a Pike grow at the conclusion of its first year?
8. How long does a Pike live?

Wildlife Quiz Answers:

1. The native range of the Northern Pike includes the entire Northern hemisphere.
2. The elongated and pointed head of the Northern Pike bears a resemblance to the pole like weapon known as the pike and therefore lead to the fish’s common name of “Pike”.
3. Scientists studying Pike have examined their stomach contents and found ducks, muskrats, mice, baby loons, amphibians, invertebrates and all variety of fish.
4. Northern pike were initially introduced into Maine in the 1970’s, as the result of an illegal introduction into the Belgrade Chain of Lakes.
5. Pike reach sexual maturity at around two years of age.
6. Pike typically spawn in Late March or early April.
7. If able to successfully avoid predators, these small fry growth rapidly, reaching 15 inches in length at the conclusion of one year.
8. The life expectancy of pike may exceed 15 years, with females generally living longer than males.