The greenback cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki somias) was designated the official state fish of Colorado in 1994. Indiginous to many small streams and rivers throughout most of Colorado, this beautiful fish was on the verge of extinction (the result of pollution and competition from species of trout introduced to Colorado waters by humans). The Colorado Division of Wildlife and National Parks has taken steps to prevent this through protection and propogation (listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act).
