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3d ago

8-Year-Old Reels in Piranha at Ridley Park Lake

State biologists say the tropical fish was likely an illegally released pet and urged people to report exotic animals to protect local ecosystems and enforce the law.

'Crazy': 8-year-old boy reels in piranha while fishing at lake in Pennsylvania, dad says (Photo courtesy of Michael Coffey)
'Crazy': 8-year-old boy reels in piranha while fishing at lake in Pennsylvania, dad says (Photo courtesy of Michael Coffey)
'Crazy': 8-year-old boy reels in piranha while fishing at lake in Pennsylvania, dad says (Photo courtesy of Michael Coffey)
'Crazy': 8-year-old boy reels in piranha while fishing at lake in Pennsylvania, dad says (Photo courtesy of Michael Coffey)

Overview

  • An 8-year-old boy, Seamus Coffey, landed the fish while fishing with his father on Saturday and the family estimated it at about 9.5 inches and 2 pounds.
  • The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission confirmed the catch was a species of piranha after biologists examined photos and the specimen.
  • PFBC officials said the fish was likely an unwanted pet unlawfully released into the lake and warned that releasing nonnative species into public waters is illegal and can lead to fines or prosecution.
  • Michael Coffey said the family first put the fish back in the water but then humanely euthanized and disposed of it to prevent ecological harm or public risk.
  • Officials called the finding isolated, noted piranhas are unlikely to survive Pennsylvania winters, and used the incident to highlight past releases and urge people to contact PFBC rather than dumping exotic pets.