Record snowfall in southern Idaho has communities on edge as reservoirs and rivers fill with water. Flooding is also threatening an endangered species of fish.
The threatened fish hatchery sits along the Boise River near Eagle Island State Park, which is above flood stage due to snow and rain. Idaho Fish and Game officials say rising waters could reach electrical pumps used to keep the salmon alive.
So, they’re moving 4,000 endangered Snake River salmon to a hatchery on the eastern side of the state, and they’re taking the fish by truck.
Sockeye salmon have been the focus of a wildlife species recovery program ever since they came close to extinction in the early 1990s.
The Eagle facility works to help diversify hatchery fish that may one day be released into the wild.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
Copyright 2017 Boise State Public Radio