California officials urge reporting of illegally released smallmouth bass in Cultus Lake to protect native species.

Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of illegally released smallmouth bass in Cultus Lake, a freshwater body in California, due to concerns over the invasive species disrupting the local ecosystem. The fish, native to the eastern U.S., are not naturally found in the lake and pose a threat to native fish populations. Officials emphasize that releasing non-native species is illegal and can have lasting environmental impacts.