DNR: Geist fish deaths appears to be natural die-off

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says the deaths of fish in Geist Reservoir appear to be natural.

The agency said in a statement Wednesday the deaths have the "appearances of a small, natural die-off of some sunfish species."

WRTV-TV reports the DNR and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management inspected the northern shoreline of Geist Reservoir on Tuesday and found 10 to 15 dead redear sunfish. The agencies also took live fish that showed signs of infection for testing.

The statement cited a possible fungal or bacterial infection as the cause of the die-off, which it said often happens this time of year when fish are already stressed from winter. The DNR does not believe the die-off will not have an impact on the fish population in the reservoir.