Bullfrog in water_AIS_Don't let it loose

Don't Let it Loose

Releasing pets into the wild can have serious harmful impacts on the local ecosystem, other species and may be illegal. These animals can take up resources that native species depend on, cause problems for your neighbors and be cruel to the animal.

Before you get a pet

Before you buy or adopt a pet, consider the size and age the pet may become over its lifetime. Make sure you can accommodate all sizes of your pet and are ready to care for it long-term. Be aware of laws that make certain species illegal to have, such as the Snakehead fish and the Hydrilla plant.

 

Don't Let It Loose!

Pets can become invasive when owners let them loose. When pets get too large or difficult to keep, some people think letting them loose is the kind thing to do. That's not the case, and releasing them may be illegal. Pets can harm the ecosystem that wild animals depend on, they can cause problems for you and your neighbors and releasing a pet can be cruel to the animal.

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A goldfish swimming in a fish bowl sitting on a blue surface with blue background

Some exotic pets have been released into the wild in Wyoming and have caused harmful impacts to the ecosystem and native species. Learn more about what species are exotic and should not be released into the wild, and what species are illegal to have as pets in Wyoming.

 

Exotic Amphibian and Fish Pets

 

Goldfish

Very common pets, goldfish are often released into the wild and have established breeding populations in Wyoming. Goldfish grow much larger when released into the wild than they do in captivity and reproduce quickly, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. They compete with native fish for habitat and resources, and they spread diseases to native fish. The presence of goldfish can cause clear water to turn murky and diminish populations of fish that are fun to catch, such as walleye.

 

American Bullfrog

Native east of Wyoming, American Bullfrogs are commonly released by schools and pet owners. Unfortunately, bullfrogs have successfully colonized some aquatic areas in Wyoming. They are voracious predators and may eat native reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals and birds. Bullfrogs can also spread diseases to native amphibians. Bullfrog tadpoles or eggs should also not be released into the wild.

 

Snakehead

Often bought as aquarium fish for their bright colors, as adults snakehead are aggressive toward other fish and quickly outgrow their tanks. In the wild, snakehead are able to live outside of water for multiple days and travel across land to nearby waters. This voracious fish has been introduced into several U.S. waters and has caused problems for other fishes. Snakehead are illegal to buy or sell in Wyoming.

 

Exotic Reptile Pets

 

Red-eared Slider

An aquatic turtle native to southeast and south-central United States, Red-eared Sliders live to 42 years old. Once released into ponds or lakes they compete with native turtles and can transmit diseases and parasites. Several released Red-eared Sliders have been found in Wyoming.

 

American Alligator

Living 50 years or longer in captivity and growing up to 15 feet long, American Alligators can be difficult pets. If released into the wild, American Alligators may not survive a winter in Wyoming, but they could pose a dangerous threat for humans and native wildlife.

 

Burmese Python

Many species of python snakes are bought as pets. The Burmese Python has been released into Florida and is now causing largescale damage to the Everglades ecosystem where they prey on threatened and endangered species. The Burmese Python is native to Asia and may grow over 20 feet long and become difficult to care for.