WINONA — Experts say the discovery of a dead Asian carp near Winona confirms the invasive fish are using their leaping ability to attempt to overcome barriers.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the carcass of a silver carp was found recently on a dam abutment just north of Winona, the furthest upstream a silver carp has been discovered in the Mississippi River.

DNR invasive fish coordinator Nick Frohnauer says the finding suggests the carp was attempting to jump over the dam, not just leaping due to a disturbance.

Silver carp are one of four Asian carp species threatening the Mississippi River system.

Bighead carp have been found in Lake Pepin and the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. But there’s no indication bighead or silver carp are reproducing in those waters.