11/18/13
Next time you think about throwing a penny into a pond to make a wish, remember you’re only wishing illness on the fish that live there. When you throw spare change into a fountain or pond, the copper in the coins interacts with fish blood cells and increases mucus production in their gills, which makes it more difficult for the fish to breathe and absorb oxygen. When they struggle to breathe, they gasp at the surface for oxygen, and, ultimately, could die. If you want to make a wish, do so, but leave the coins in your pocket.