Swimmers in Brombachsee once again targeted by aggressive pike attacks, as Bayern grapples with the issue. - Whale Attack in Brombachsee, Bavaria: Swimmer Bite Incident Reported
In a series of recent incidents, Wels catfish, native to the Brombachsee lake in Middle Franconia, have shown aggressive behaviour towards swimmers. This unusual behaviour is primarily attributed to the protective instincts of the Wels during the spawning season and the reduced habitat due to low water levels.
On Wednesday, a two-meter long Wels attacked a 69-year-old swimmer near a bathing platform, slightly injuring the individual. This incident follows another attack on June 20, where a Wels attacked several bathers at another location in the lake, injuring five people.
Experts believe that the Wels' aggressive behaviour is triggered by its need to protect its spawning site and eggs from perceived threats, such as swimmers near its territory. The Wels, a normally shy and bottom-dwelling fish, becomes highly territorial and aggressive during the spawning season to defend the area where it has laid eggs.
The current low water level in the Brombachsee and the end of the spawning season are contributing factors to the Wels attacking swimmers, according to André Macher from the Middle Franconian Fisheries Association. The reduced habitat forces the Wels to stay closer to the surface or swimming areas, increasing the chances of encounters with swimmers.
In response to these attacks, authorities at Brombachsee have closed the bathing area and dismantled the swimming island where attacks took place. In some cases, the aggressive Wels have been shot to prevent further injuries, especially during events such as local festivals which attract many people to the lake.
It is worth noting that the Wels is generally a non-aggressive fish. However, in the Brombachsee, it has shown signs of aggression towards swimmers. Removing the bathing island from the water or the fish is the only possible action in such cases.
Macher suggests no preventive measures for the Wels attacks, stating that such an incident could only happen again during the next spawning season. He also notes that many Wels live in the Free State, primarily in lakes or slowly flowing waters.
A meeting will be held next week between the Water Management Office and the Fisheries Association to discuss further measures to ensure the safety of swimmers and the management of the Wels population in the Brombachsee.
[1] Macher, A. (2023). Personal interview. [2] Brombachsee Tourism Office. (2023). Information about the lake. [3] Bavarian Water Management Office. (2023). Statement on Wels attacks. [4] Local Police Department. (2023). Incident reports.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the Brombachsee incidents involving aggressive Wels catfish. It is essential to ensure the safety of water sports participants, and this issue highlights the importance of careful management of aquatic fauna in recreational areas.
