Officials stumped by hundreds of dead fish found in pond: 'Still being investigated'

close

Video

Hero fishermen rescue 38 hunting hounds that nearly drowned

Mississippi fishing guide Jordan Chrestman, Arkansas fisherman Bob Gist, and Tennessee fisherman Brad Carlisle discuss their recent act of heroism where they rescued dozens of hounds that nearly drowned.

Utah state officials are currently investigating a local pond after hundreds of dead fish were found floating on top of the water.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital. A spokesperson explained that officials were alerted to the incident at Cove Pond in Salt Lake County on Monday morning.

"Our biologists responded to the scene and confirmed that there are an estimated 500 dead fish in the pond, but the number may be higher," the official said.

"The majority of the fish that died are catfish, but there are also a few bluegills and green sunfish that died, as well."

ANGLER REELS IN 45-POUND CARP, BREAKING RECORD

Utah officials were alerted to the incident at Cove Pond in Salt Lake County. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

Biologists from the Division of Wildlife Resources tested the dissolved oxygen levels of the pond and found that they were "lethally low," which likely caused the deaths of the fish.

"Circumstances that contributed to low dissolved oxygen levels and possible other factors are still being investigated by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and the local authorities," the spokesperson added. 

YOUNG WOMAN BREAKS FISHING RECORD SET IN PLACE FOR NEARLY HALF CENTURY

"The pond is currently closed to fishing while the incident is being investigated."

Most of the floating fish were catfish, but bluegills and green sunfish were also found dead. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources official told Fox News Digital that the department stocks the pond with trout and catfish, but will refrain from adding new fish amid the investigation.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"It may be some time before the pond is restocked, so we encourage anglers to fish other waterbodies until further notice," the spokesperson added.

Officials estimate that there could be over 500 dead fish floating in the pond. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Anglers are also being warned not to consume any fish from Cove Pond.

"We recommend that anglers do not eat any fish they may have harvested from the pond on June 24 out of an abundance of caution," the official said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Authorities are actively investigating the incident. There are no additional details at this time.