Submitted by East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

While an adorable animal nestled under the Christmas tree or tied with a bow may tug at the heartstrings, let’s face the reality: they don’t always make the best holiday presents. Taking care of animals comes with significant responsibility, and gifting them without thorough consideration is a mistake.

Whether it’s a goldfish, turtle, snake, or rabbit, these pets might seem like minor commitments initially. However, what occurs when the recipient can no longer care for them, or they grow larger than expected? Often, they are released into the wild, unintentionally becoming part of the natural ecosystem.

Did you know that eight invasive species in British Columbia originated as pets or aquarium inhabitants?

Among these are the Red-Eared Slider Turtle, American Bullfrog, Goldfish, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Parrot Feather, European Rabbit, Brazilian Elodea, and Koi Carp. Invasive species, unfamiliar to B.C.’s native environment, pose severe threats to our ecology, economy, and human health.

Many of these harmful invaders stem from the improper disposal of aquariums and terrariums into outdoor spaces, and releasing unwanted pets, triggering significant ecological consequences.

Aquarium and terrarium owners have a vast array of aquatic plants, invertebrates, reptiles, and fish to choose from. Sadly, some exotic species possess the potential to become invasive, thriving and reproducing rapidly in their new habitats. Once established, they disrupt the native balance, leading to a decline in native populations and altering ecosystem dynamics.

The repercussions of releasing unwanted pets into nearby water bodies or forests, and discarding plants from aquariums into ponds or ditches, are immense in terms of ecology and the environment.

Moreover, this act is not only inhumane but also dangerous and illegal!

It’s crucial for pet owners to comprehend the lifespan and extensive needs of any pet before considering adoption or purchase. Let’s refrain from gifting pets hastily and instead engage in necessary conversations about responsibility and long-term care.

The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council wants to remind you this holidays season, to “Don’t Let it Loose” – a campaign reminding pet owners to never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers! What you can do instead:

• Return: Contact the place you got the animal and ask if they will take it back;

• Rehome: Contact local science centres, zoom or aquariums to see if they can take the animal off your hands;

• Dispone: Dry and freeze unwanted plants and add them to non-composted trash Be Kind: If all else fails, have a qualified veterinarian euthanized the animal – its far kinder than letting it starve to death in the wild or destroy the homes of native animals and plants.

The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council is a non-profit organization that builds partnerships and supports collaborative projects in natural and applied science, policy research, outreach and education to protect our forests, fields, gardens, waterways and cities from the damaging effects of invasive species. www.ekisc.com

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