How did an eel end up in the Chicago River? Biologist explains what likely happened

Source NBC Local
Original Load Date May 15, 2026, 7:01 p.m.
Last Updated May 15, 2026, 7:01 p.m.
Original URL https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/how-did-an-eel-end-up-in-the-chicago-river-experts-explain-what-likely-happened/3936602/

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An American Eel made headlines this week after it was caught in the Chicago River, raising both eyebrows and questions as to how the aquatic animal made its way into the Windy City's waters. Dr. Austin Happel, a research biologist at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, explained that it's possible the eel sw...