diff --git a/flopy/modflow/mfuzf1.py b/flopy/modflow/mfuzf1.py
index 170ac82eb6..91d4bec85e 100644
--- a/flopy/modflow/mfuzf1.py
+++ b/flopy/modflow/mfuzf1.py
@@ -996,7 +996,8 @@ def _parse8(line):
     iuzcol = None
     iuzopt = 0
     line = line_parse(line)
-    if len(line) > 1:
+    if((len(line) > 1 and not int(line[0]) < 0) or
+       (len(line) > 1 and line[1].isdigit())):
         iuzrow = pop_item(line, int) - 1
         iuzcol = pop_item(line, int) - 1
         iftunit = pop_item(line, int)