Aggressive Wels attacks swimmers - police shoot the fish off!

Am 22.06.2025 verletzte ein aggressiver Wels im Brombachsee mehrere Schwimmer, bis die Polizei intervenierte.
On June 22, 2025, an aggressive catfish injured several swimmers in the Brombachsee until the police intervened. (Symbolbild/MW)

Aggressive Wels attacks swimmers - police shoot the fish off!

Brombachsee, Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, Deutschland - Am Brombachsee in the district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen caused an exceptional incident to be excited and a temporary closure of the bathing area. An estimated 90 kilograms weighed over two meters long, which weighed, went on floating bathers and injured at least five people. The situation escalated so much that the police had to intervene. As Merkur was finally shot by a police officer, since it was shot as a serious threat to the swimmers and the visitors of a parallel Music festivals took place.

The police received support from the water guard because the large fish started further attacks on bathers despite the impression measures. In order to ensure the safety of the bathers, the area was immediately blocked. After the welfare was rescued by two anglers, the bathing operation could be resumed.

The fear of catfish and its special features

catfish are known for their impressive size and can be up to three meters long and weighing over 100 kilograms. Typically, they live in rivers, but can also occur in standing waters if they have been exposed to them. According to ludwigshafen24 , many people have a deeply rooted fear of wors and fear attacks. It is important to emphasize that catfish normally does not attack. Such events are rare, but can increase during the spawning season, which takes place in May and June

The behavior that could be seen in this special incident did not come out of nowhere either. Welse sometimes react aggressively, especially when they protect their brood. Although they have small stub teeth and cannot cause major injuries, the reports on attacks on swimmers are widespread. The concerns of people are understandable, but there is no reason to panic. There are no catfish on the menu for humans, and the human remains, which are occasionally found in these fish, usually do not come from active attacks.

an unusual and disturbing incident

The incident on Lake Brombach is another example of how nature and humans sometimes collide. The aggressive catfish, like

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OrtBrombachsee, Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, Deutschland
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