Lake Brenton, September 3, 2025 — In a bizarre and frightening incident, a man was attacked by two unusually large fish while swimming in Lake Brenton on Tuesday afternoon.
The victim, 34-year-old Michael Sanders, was enjoying a swim near the lake’s eastern shore when he suddenly found himself face-to-face with what he described as “two monstrous fish, each nearly the size of a dog.”
According to witnesses, the fish circled Sanders before lunging at him in quick succession. “At first we thought he was joking or splashing around,” said local resident Claire Johnson, who was sunbathing nearby. “But then we saw the water thrashing violently, and he started screaming for help.”
Sanders managed to fight off the fish and swim back to shore, sustaining several cuts and bruises on his arms and legs. He was treated at a nearby hospital and later released.
Experts believe the fish may have been unusually large muskies or invasive catfish species known to inhabit the lake. However, local authorities are investigating whether environmental changes or illegal feeding by tourists may have triggered the aggressive behavior.
“This is extremely rare,” said Dr. Paul Emerson, a freshwater biologist. “Fish don’t usually attack humans unless provoked or defending their territory — but two acting together is highly unusual.”
Officials have temporarily closed part of Lake Brenton while they monitor the area and attempt to locate the fish involved.
