Piranha drama: 8-year-old boy hooks exotic fish in Pennsylvania lake
An 8-year-old boy fishing near Philadelphia unexpectedly reeled in a red-bellied piranha, a species not native to US waters. Officials believe the fish was released by a former exotic pet owner.
An eight-year-old Pennsylvania boy got quite a surprise while fishing for bass with his father in a lake near Philadelphia — instead of a bass, he pulled out a large red-bellied piranha, complete with the razor-sharp teeth the species is known for.
His father, Michael Coffey, told ABC that as his son Seamus reeled in the heavy, unfamiliar catch, he warned him to slow down so he wouldn't lose it. Michael couldn't identify the fish himself, but Seamus immediately knew what it was, later explaining that he recognized it from watching YouTube videos.
Officials confirm the species
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission later verified that the catch was indeed a piranha. Agency spokesperson Mike Parker told ABC that biologists had confirmed the identification.
Officials believe the piranha ended up in the lake after being released by someone who had previously kept it as an exotic pet. Parker explained that caring for such animals is a lifelong commitment, as they can live for many years and require specialized habitats, food and care. He noted that owners often grow tired of the responsibility and mistakenly think releasing the animal into a river or pond is a kind solution, when in fact it is one of the worst things that can be done to a former pet, given the potential harm to local wildlife.
The Coffey family did not return the piranha to the lake and instead disposed of it humanely.
