Forget Gators in the Sewer Check Out This Goldfish in the River

You always hear stories about alligators living in city sewers after pet owners flushed them down the toilet. A conservation group in Buffalo says the same thing is true with goldfish. And they have the photo evidence.

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is a group protecting waters and ecosystems in Western New York. On a recent patrol of Niagara River, they found a hefty 14" goldfish downstream from the wastewater treatment plant. According to their Facebook post, millions of goldfish started as pets but are now living in the Great Lakes after being flushed.

While it may seem harmless the group says not being native to New York waters, the goldfish destroy the environment needed for native species. Instead of flushing them, return fish to the store where purchased or find someone to take it off your hands.