White perch, a fish species native to the Atlantic coast of North America, now inhabit the waters of Lake Afton in Sedgwick County.

Like other non-native species, white perch create problems by competing for food and space with more desirable sportfish.

In recent years, white perch have established populations at several other Kansas locations, including the Ninnescah, Arkansas and Saline rivers.

To help prevent the spread of the species to other waters, Wildlife and Parks commissioners earlier this year approved the addition of white perch to the list of prohibited species.

It is illegal to possess live white perch in Kansas, or to release fish taken from one body of water into another.