Kare11
Fish kills draws dozens of eagles at lake in western MN
Wildlife officials say the fish were likely killed by the effects of an algae bloom, triggered by Minnesota’s mild, snowless winter.
TRAVERSE COUNTY, Minn. — There’s an eagle party going on in western Minnesota, but the reason is not exactly something to celebrate.
A significant fish kill on Lake Traverse near Wheaton is drawing the eagles for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Photos captured by resident Carol Bauer show dozens of the raptors perched in trees on the banks of the lake, obviously in no hurry as their endless meal isn’t going anywhere.
DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor Chris Domeier says the fish kill, originally reported March 14, appears to be caused by supersaturation trauma… also known as gas bubble disease. Field data collected from the fish shows high oxygen levels in the water likely triggered by heavy algae growth.
Domeier says the mild winter of 2024 resulted in thin clear ice on Lake Traverse, lack of snow cover and plenty of sun — a recipe for rapid algae growth. The process creates surplus oxygen and high levels of other gases in the lake, which can cause health issues like heart or kidney failure in fish. He was on the lake Tuesday and counted 2 to 3 thousand dead drum fish, several hundred dead crappies, bluegills, catfish and white bass, and around 100 each of dead walleye and smallmouth bass.
“This is a weird deal,” Domeier told KARE 11 in a call Wednesday morning. “A perfect storm.”
While unfortunate, he emphasized that the kill is a natural event and not something caused by a spill or runoff from agricultural sources. The fish should not be harmful to the eagles, Domeier said, adding that the kill is also not expected to impact fishing on Lake Traverse this summer.
The DNR has submitted fish samples to a state lab for testing and diagnosis.
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11’s newscasts. You’ll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist:
Police are investigating after three men were shot early on Saturday morning.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are investigating after three men were shot in the Ventura Village neighborhood early Saturday morning.
According to Minneapolis police, officers were called to the area around East 21st Street and South 15th Avenue around 5 a.m. Saturday.
Officers found three men had been shot. One of the men died and the two others were taken to the hospital with what police described as life-threatening injuries.
Officials said the shooting happened at a small homeless encampment.
Police have not announced any arrests as of Saturday morning.
KARE 11 will update this story as more information is made available.
This Halloween the chocolate shop is getting very festive.
MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, Minn. — A small sweet shop in a Minnesota river town has won some BIG awards for its chocolates.
St. Croix Chocolate Company in Marine on St. Croix has won national and international awards including Best of Show in this year’s America’s Division of the International Chocolate Awards.
Their chocolates are available at the St. Croix Chocolate Company kitchen or online.
This Halloween they are selling a Halloween Countdown Calendar that features 14 prize-winning recipes made into ghosts, bats, skulls and other spooky configurations. They also have a Boo Bag-handled tote that comes with their “best of” Halloween assortment.
Owner and Chocolatier, Robyn Dochterman, joined KARE 11 Saturday to share what St. Croix Chocolate Company has to offer.
MINNEAPOLIS — Making pasta at home is relatively simple, as long as you have the right tools.
October is National Pasta Month and Red Rabbit‘s Corporate Chef, Adam Lerner, joined KARE 11 Saturday to show us how to make homemade noodles in the confines of your own kitchen.
