JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) sent out an advisory on Tuesday warning people not to release pet fish, such as goldfish, into wild waters.
Exotic pets pose risks to the aquatic ecosystems of Wyoming because they can introduce harmful diseases and they compete with native populations for food and resources. The press release states that WGFD recently received a tip from a “concerned citizen” and subsequently discovered goldfish in the water at May Park.
WGFD Public Liaison Raegin Akhtar confirmed to Buckrail that the fish were found in a stretch of Cache Creek that flows through May Park.
Goldfish, specifically, are hardy animals that can survive winters in Wyoming and can reproduce quickly.
“Releasing fish into Wyoming waters can quickly lead to new invasive populations that can be extremely difficult to remove, diverting fisheries managers from other critical responsibilities,” Jackson Regional Fisheries Supervisor Darren Rhea said. “Given the serious impacts an illegal fish introduction can have on a fishery, this crime carries some of the highest penalties that exist for wildlife violations.”
WGFD has been battling “aquarium dumping” in the Kelly Warm Springs for years.
Pet owners are advised to be aware of the laws and to never release any plants or animals into the wild. If aquarium plants need to be discarded, or if a pet can no longer be cared for, WGFD recommends following the CARE guidelines:
- Contact the place where the pet was purchased to see if they will take it back.
- Act responsibly and never let animals or plants loose in the wild.
- Research other places that may be able to take the pet in, including pet stores, zoos, aquariums, science centers, animal shelters and humane societies.
- Euthanize the animal in a humane way. “It may be hard to consider, but this option is far kinder than letting it starve to death in the wild or destroy the homes of native animals,” says the press release. Unwanted plants should be frozen before being thrown in the trash.
