Carp Lake River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carp Lake River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Emmet County, Michigan 45°41′09″N 84°46′47″W / 45.6858°N 84.7797°W |
| River mouth | Lake Michigan, Michigan 45°44′59″N 84°49′45″W / 45.7497°N 84.8292°W |
| Length | 10.5 mi (16.9 km) |
The Carp Lake River is a small river located in Emmet County, Michigan, in the United States. It is about 10.5-mile-long (16.9 km). This river flows into Lake Michigan, which is one of the Great Lakes. It joins Lake Michigan about 5 miles (8 km) west of the Straits of Mackinac. The river gets its water from Lake Paradise.
About the Carp Lake River
The Carp Lake River is an important natural feature in northern Michigan. It flows through beautiful areas of Emmet County. Rivers like this are vital for the environment. They provide homes for many plants and animals. They also help keep the water cycle going.
Home to a Special Beetle
The Carp Lake River is very special because it is one of only five places in the entire world where a rare insect lives. This insect is called the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi). It is a critically endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Scientists have studied these beetles in the river. In 1997, they found four adult beetles near a place called Oliver Road. In 1999, they found one more. However, in a survey done in 2003, no beetles were found. It seems that changes to the riverbank, like erosion near the road, might have harmed their habitat. Protecting places like the Carp Lake River is important to help save endangered species like this unique beetle.
