Pennsylvania Officials Warn After 8-Year-Old Catches 2-Pound Piranha in Lake
Updated
Updated · Turn to 10 · Aug 13
Pennsylvania Officials Warn After 8-Year-Old Catches 2-Pound Piranha in Lake
3 articles · Updated · Turn to 10 · Aug 13
Summary
Ridley Park Lake officials warned against releasing exotic pets after 8-year-old Seamus Coffey reeled in a confirmed piranha while fishing Saturday.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission biologists said the fish was likely a dumped pet, not evidence of a breeding population in the lake.
Mike Parker, a commission spokesperson, said releasing exotic species into Pennsylvania waterways is illegal and can bring fines or prosecution.
The 2-pound fish was euthanized after the catch; officials said that was appropriate because it likely would not survive long locally and could threaten people or the ecosystem.