Study: Greenback cutthroat limited to 1 stream

By The Associated Press
Monday, September 24, 2012

DENVER — A new study says that Colorado’s state fish — the greenback cutthroat trout — survives only in a four-mile stretch of a creek southwest of Colorado Springs.

University of Colorado scientists and other researchers used historical research and analysis of fish DNA to confirm the only pure greenback cutthroat trout exist in a 4-mile stretch of Bear Creek. The creek is a tributary of the Arkansas River.

The Denver Post reports the study, released Monday, could strengthen efforts to protect Bear Creek from damage caused by hikers, motorcyclists and others who use trails along the creek.