LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)— Wildlife and Fisheries say the cleanup of the hundreds of dead fish will come from letting nature take its course but nearby residents are concerned.

The nearby residents are hopeful this fishy situation will clear up quickly.

Johnathan Casino a resident who lives near the coulee said he was shocked to see all the dead fish floating in the coulee next to his Riverstone home on Johnston Street.

Wildlife and Fisheries said the fish kill a byproduct of receding flooding.

But now the smell wafting through the air has residents scrambling for shelter.

“It literally smelled for about four to five hours.” said Casino.

Wildlife and Fisheries said it’s a matter of waiting for nature to do what it does in terms of cleanup and replenishing the oxygen supply which will put a stop to the event.

As for how the fish will be removed, “You’re going to have turtles, birds, they’re going to probably feast on the fish. It will slowly incinerate from there.” Said David.

Tonight the Director of Public Works will release a statement about what city government anticipates in terms of clean up.