An unusual piranha attack injured 60 people on Christmas Day. Witnesses said dozens of swimmers at the Parana River beach suddenly ran out of the water screaming for help. Many of the swimmers were injured and covered in blood.
When paramedics arrived at the scene, they immediately began assessing and treating the injuries. Authorities in Argentina said at least 60 people, including 20 children, were bitten in the freak attack. While most of the injuries were superficial, some of the bites reached deep into the muscle tissue. At least two children received severe injuries to their hands and fingers.
As reported by the Independent , the attack was very unusual. Although Piranha can be aggressive, a massive attack on humans is rare. Rosario’s director of emergency services, Federico Cornier, explains:
“This is not normal. It’s normal for there to be an isolated bite or injury, but the magnitude in this case was great… this is an exceptional event.”
Authorities noted that local fishermen left unused bait scattered throughout the beach. They believe the bait, in combination with the intense heat, provoked the “very aggressive” behavior.
The Parana River is inhabited by two different species of freshwater piranha: Pygocentrus nattereri and Serrasalmus spilopleura. While the fish have a bad reputation as vicious killers, attacks on humans are rare.
Animal Planet reports that piranha usually travel alone, feeding on small fish, seeds, and fruit. Rarely, they will attack large mammals, including humans. When attacking, they use their tiny razor-sharp teeth to strip animals of their flesh.
When a school of piranha attacks a large mammal, they work together to quickly shred and kill their prey . These types of vicious and deadly attacks have led to their bad reputation. In reality, such attacks are quite rare.
Authorities in Argentina are still trying to assess what exactly caused the piranha attack on the Parana River beach.
