Heat, drought to blame for dead fish in Medina County lake

MEDINA, Ohio - You can see evidence of the drought throughout the region. From dead grass, to thirsty trees and gardens. But now, the drought is turning deadly under water.

Tom James with the Medina County Park District says the heat and lack of rain is to blame dead fish in the lake at Buckeye Woods Park.

When lakes don't receive rainfall, the lake's oxygen level drops. In addition, plant life thrives because of the amount of sunshine, and plants use more oxygen. The oxygen is robbed from the fish, causing them to die.

Viewers Eric McWilliams and Erica Lackey sent pictures and video of the dead fish at the lake. There were hundreds of fish on the shore, which have been cleared away.

James said it will likely take several years for the lake's fish population to return to normal.

James also said it appears the fish kill in the small three-acre lake is an isolated incident. He said smaller lakes are more sensitive to droughts versus larger ones.