11-year-old catches exotic Pacu fish in neighborhood pond in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said an 11-year-old boy caught an exotic Pacu in a neighborhood pond.

A Pacu is a South American fish closely related to the Piranha. Pacu is an exotic, invasive species that can damage local ecosystems.

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"Do not release your pets," the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation urged in a social media post. "These fish are generally harmless to humans, but the practice of dumping unwanted pets in waterways is so harmful to native wildlife. Don’t be that pet owner. Don’t let it loose."

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Wildlife officials identified the boy who caught the fish as Charlie Clinton.

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