Tourists visiting the Amazon in Brazil experienced a harrowing incident while enjoying the waters of Miriti Beach. People Magazine reported that piranhas attacked a group of swimmers, including a 7-month-old baby.
What's happened?
Numerous people were attacked and injured by piranhas while swimming at a resort beach in Manacapuru, Brazil. Tourists rushed out of the water as victims suffered severe cuts from bites.
A 7-month-old baby lost part of their toe after being bitten in the water. The baby was taken to a local hospital for further treatment while firefighters tended to bite wounds on the beach.
According to People, the piranha attacks occurred throughout the day. Due to the attacks, the Manacapuru city council has advised all swimmers to avoid going into the water "until the fish disperse."
Why are piranha attacks important?
The piranha attacks along the resort beach in Manacapuru underscore a larger problem of overdevelopment and habitat encroachment. Piranhas are native to the Amazon basin; however, when resorts are built in remote areas near wildlife habitats, they disrupt local ecosystems and can lead to dangerous human-wildlife interactions.
Experts viewed this particular incident of piranha attacks as a warning from a species that views tourists as a danger to their nests.
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"The fish act defensively and usually deliver a single warning bite to drive away intruders rather than launching sustained attacks," biologist and aquatic ecology expert Edinbergh Caldas Oliveira told Brazilian news outlet G1, per the Associated Press. "Such incidents are accidents caused by human interference with natural habitats."
What's being done about the piranha attacks in Manacapuru?
In response to the numerous bites, officials told visitors to avoid swimming in remote areas of the beach. Local fishermen noted the piranha attacks could be related to the species' breeding season, advising swimmers to exercise precautions.
From an environmental perspective, cities can prevent these types of human-wildlife interactions from occurring by establishing clear nature preserves to prevent resorts from encroaching on wildlife habitats. By vacationing responsibly and researching eco-tourism options, you can explore the world while respecting nature.
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