Put Those Things Back Where They Came From Or So Help Us

Please, please, please think before you flush your pet fish Hubert. Or having a Viking funeral for him at a lake or pond. There's a good chance he'll end up being a problem for the environment. No, seriously. Please refrain from releasing pets into the wild, even if you think they are deceased. Goldfish (aka carp) have now become an invasive species in the great lakes. Goldfish are unfortunately a hardy and adaptable species of fish that are able to adjust to most environments they are dumped into, including but not limited to rivers, ponds, and lakes. They have now thrown off the ecosystem in the Great Lakes. Goldfish are fairly predatory and will eat just about anything, including each other in order to survive. They are also known to grow to a size that is fitting of whatever they are contained in, with the largest goldfish (carp) to ever be caught weighing more than 60 lbs - if you're curious, you can read our previous blog post about Carrot the carp.

Goldfish aren't the only creatures that get released into the wild. There have also been cases of wild dogs that cross-breed and live with coyotes. Coyotes are an issue all on their own, but with the intelligence and look of a dog, they may become an even larger issue in suburban areas. Reptiles also have a tendency to be released because they are too large, too expensive, or believed to be dead. Hence, reticulated pythons are illegal to own in most states because despite being non-venomous, they are fairly invasive and can get large enough to be able to consume livestock or people. That sounds incredulous, but we are talking about a snake that can get up to 28 feet long.

Maybe even consider not releasing less hardy species such as domestic rabbits and hamsters. Domestic rabbits are completely different from wild rabbits and will undoubtedly die from exposure to the elements or be eaten within 48 hours of release. Hamsters, on the other hand, have a bit more durability, but due to their hibernation schedules tend to be easy prey as well. They also will easily succumb to the environment, especially if the temperatures are extreme. Yes, hamsters do hibernate, so please remember that before you bury little Joey in the yard; he may be taking an extended nap and not a dirt nap. Either way, easy prey draws in predators. A higher volume of predators means you need to be careful with your pets and kids if outside during hunting times. The more you know. 

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