The superintendent of Milford Fish Hatchery in Milford, N.H., says 2,500 fish died when a stray teddy bear clogged the fresh water pipe.

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Richard Prunier said the incident prompted the hatchery to release a written warning that read: "RELEASE OF ANY TEDDY BEARS into the fish hatchery water IS NOT PERMITTED," the Manchester (N.H.) Union-Leader reported Tuesday.

Prunier said employees at the hatchery found the bear, which was dressed in a yellow rain coat and matching hat, lodged in the pipe that feeds fresh water to one of the tanks holding 1-year-old rainbow trout. He said about 2,500 fish died in the incident. He said the deaths would not seriously affect the hatchery.

"We always put extra fish out," Prunier said.

The superintendent said the bear itself was intact, but a bit worse for wear.

"He got beat up pretty good," he said. "Somebody's going to see him on TV and say, 'Hey, that's Susie's bear.'"

Prunier gave advice to parents who allow their children to being toys to the hatchery.

"Tie a string on them."