Pa. allows carp to snack on bread at state park

[February 21, 2009]  LINESVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- In a move likely to be popular with tourists and fish alike, Pennsylvania officials will not prohibit feeding bread to the carp at a park in the state's northwest corner.

Complaints delayed the start of the ban this year at Pymatuning (py-muh-TOON'-ing) State Park. Now, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has dropped the idea altogether.

More than 300,000 people visit the park each year to see throngs of bread-hungry carp so thick that ducks can walk on the fish.

Officials wanted only fish food pellets used, because they say other food harms the fish. Visitors have tossed chicken, watermelon, doughnuts and other foods to the carp.

The state will ask tourists to stick to fish pellets and bread.

[Associated Press]

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