Overview

• A third swimmer was bitten on July 4 near the Absberg bathing island, sustaining abrasions that were treated onshore as officials confirmed ongoing nest-defense by invasive Wels catfish
• The Absberg bathing island has been removed from the water and echolot surveys have begun to pinpoint Wels spawning sites displaced by low reservoir levels
• Police shot a two-meter, 90-kg Wels on June 20 after it bit multiple swimmers; regulations require anglers to kill any caught Wels to control overpopulation
• Experts say warming temperatures and reduced traditional spawning grounds have driven Wels to nest under artificial structures in shallow bathing areas, triggering defensive attacks
• Officials expect incidents to decline once July’s spawning season ends but urge swimmers to remain vigilant and respect wildlife habitats