Colorado wildlife officials say they believe someone dumped four to five pet goldfish in a Boulder lake about two years ago, and they have now multiplied to over 3,000 to 4,000 fish. <\/p>\n
Because the goldfish are a non-native species, they threaten Teller Lake #5's entire aquatic ecosystem, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill told ABC News today. <\/p>\n
\"Dumping your pets into a lake could bring diseases to native animals and plants as well as out-compete them for resources,\" Churchill said. \"Everything can be affected. Non-native species can potentially wipe out the fishery as we've put it together.\" <\/p>\n
Fish that are native to the lake that are now being threatened by the invasive goldfish include channel catfish, blue gill fish and sun fish, Churchill said. <\/p>\n
KMGH <\/p>\n
PHOTO: Wildlife officials say an invasive goldfish species that was dumped in Teller Lake #5 in Boulder, Colo. has multiplied and is threatening the lake's natural aquatic ecosystem. <\/p>\n
Wildlife officials are seeking information on anyone who may have released the goldfish into the lake, she said. <\/p>\n
CPW is currently considering two solutions -- electroshocking the fish or draining the lake. <\/p>\n
\"With electroshocking, you go in the boat and stun the fish to paralyze and collect them,\" Churchill said, adding that the shock doesn't kill the fish. \"The fish could also be collected if the lake is drained.\" <\/p>\n
KMGH <\/p>\n
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The rest is here:<\/p>\n
How These 3,000-Plus Invasive Goldfish Are Threatening a ...<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Colorado wildlife officials say they believe someone dumped four to five pet goldfish in a Boulder lake about two years ago, and they have now multiplied to over 3,000 to 4,000 fish. Because the goldfish are a non-native species, they threaten Teller Lake #5's entire aquatic ecosystem, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill told ABC News today. Continue reading