Jerrid Weaskus of the Nez Perce Tribe holds a lamprey before releasing it in a waterway near Hills Creek Dam on June 24, 2026. Oakridge city planner Guen DiGioia watches on from shore.
The jawless, eel-like fish known as Pacific lamprey get little love from the uninitiated; with their toothy-maw used to suck blood from fish, they have perhaps the most unflattering smile in the animal kingdom.
But to many people, these ancient critters are important as both an indicator species and a food source for tribal people. And there are ongoing efforts to restore their numbers across Oregon waterways and beyond.
Earlier this summer, a large truck arrived on a warm sunny day at Coyote Creek, 10 miles west of Eugene. After parking by an old bridge spanning the water, Aaron Caldera and Aldwin Keo exited and greeted a crowd of people who came to learn about their special cargo, sloshing around in a large container on the flatbed…