PITTSBURGH, July 21 (UPI) -- Park officials in Pennsylvania confirmed that a woman and her son discovered a piranha while fishing at a local lake.

The Allegheny County Parks Department shared photos of the fish which officials say flipped back into the water after being taken off the hook.


"We received a call, and subsequently pictures, from a woman and her son who were fishing yesterday at North Park Lake, who thought they had caught a piranha. With the help of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, we were able to confirm that it was a red-bellied piranha," Parks Director Andrew Baechle said.

The Parks Department stated that the fish would pose the greatest threat to humans, as they attempt to remove the sharp-toothed fish from a fishing line.

Baechle said that the fish was likely released into the lake by a former owner and discouraged residents from releasing animals into the lake.

"It's unfortunate that someone released this fish into the lake, but it's also an opportunity to remind members of the public that animals and pets should never be brought to the parks and let go," he said. "It's not good for the park, the animals or our residents."