An unusual catch occurred during a weekend fishing trip in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, when an 8-year-old boy pulled a piranha from the lake. Seamus Coffey was fishing with his father, Michael, on Saturday, initially believing he had hooked a bass.
"I'm reeling it in, and I think there's a bass," Seamus told 6ABC Philadelphia. His father noticed the catch was unfamiliar. Once the approximately 9.5-inch, 2-pound fish was landed, Seamus identified it as a piranha, stating he recognized it from YouTube. His father's subsequent online search and confirmation from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission verified the identification.
Piranhas are native to South America, leading state officials to believe the fish was an unwanted pet released into the lake. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission spokesperson Mike Parker noted that exotic pets can become difficult to care for, and owners may resort to releasing them.
"That is probably the worst thing you can do for an animal that's been a pet," Parker said. He added that releasing exotic species into the wild is illegal in Pennsylvania and can result in fines or prosecution. The commission advises humane disposal of such animals rather than releasing them into local waterways.
Michael Coffey reportedly returned the fish to the water before ultimately disposing of it. Parker emphasized that removing the non-native fish was the correct action, as it could pose a risk to people and disrupt the local ecosystem. However, he speculated that the piranha might not have survived long in Pennsylvania's climate, especially after living as a pet.
This is not the first time a piranha has been found in Pennsylvania waters. In July 2016, a similar red-bellied piranha was caught at North Park Lake near Pittsburgh. At that time, officials also suspected it was an escaped or released pet and noted that the state's cold weather would likely prevent its long-term survival.
Despite the unexpected encounter with sharp teeth, young Seamus Coffey remains enthusiastic about fishing, his favorite pastime. This unique catch, however, has certainly made for a memorable fishing story.