WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Fish, birds found dead at Nashville's Centennial Park

Fish, birds found dead at Nashville's Centennial Park

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Wildlife officials are investigating after hundreds of fish were found dead and dozens of ducks and geese found either dead or dying in Nashville's Centennial Park.

Officials were first notified of the situation Sunday, when someone reported a duck that appeared sick.

In the 24 hours since, more than 200 fish were found dead in Lake Watauga, a small artificial lake in the park, and at least two dozen ducks and geese either dead or dying.

With no visible problems to the pond, officials expect botulism.

Low oxygen levels in the pond likely killed the fish and the ducks and geese fell ill after they ate the bad fish.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency is testing the birds to confirm what they suspect killed them.

Botulism is most commonly spread to humans through improperly processed canned foods and can cause muscle paralysis and nerve dysfunction.

As a reminder, fish or game found in a sick condition should never be eaten.