One of your childhood's biggest fears has come true.
A piranha mysteriously turned up in a Louisiana lake — and officials are on the hunt for others that may be skulking in the water.
The red piranha, a species native to South America, was caught last week in University Lakes in Baton Rouge, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries.
But piranhas aren’t supposed to be found anywhere near Louisiana, leading wildlife officials to believe it was illegally kept as a pet and released into the lake.
“All piranha species are illegal to possess or sell in Louisiana,” the LDWF says.
Now, wildlife officials are investigating whether more could be lurking in the University Lake system.
“If you have information, or if you think you caught a piranha, please do not return it to the water,” the LDWF says.
Those who do are asked to contact Rob Bourgeois at rbourgeois@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-0765 or to use the LDWF aquatic invasive species hotline at 225-765-3977 or AquaticInvasives@la.gov, the department says.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Red-bellied Piranha swim in their tank in the living rainforest enclosure at ZSL London Zoo on March 25, 2010 in London, England. Entitled 'Rainforest Life' the large temperature and humidity controlled bio-dome is home to free-roaming monkeys, sloths, tree anteaters and tropical birds. The exhibit, which is opening in the International Year of Biodiversity, will be open to the public from March 27, 2010. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)