Some Likely Questions

Can pets really be invasive species?

Some pets when released into the wild can become invasive species. So, if the conditions are right, pets like goldfish, some reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates like snails or crayfish can become invasive species. If someone is dumping an aquarium, then everything in the aquarium goes. It’s not just the fish, but the snails, water plants, and anything else in the tank. All this stuff has the potential to become an invasive species.

What does it mean to be an invasive species?

There are legal and scientific definitions to describe invasive species, but the key ideas here are that non-native species (plants, animals, or microscopic creatures) get introduced to a new area or habitat, become established, and cause harm to either the habitat, to other creatures, or to human health.

How do invasive species harm habitats?

An invasive species does things like burrow into banks of a river causing them to collapse, or growing so thick that no other species can live there, or in some cases, spread disease to native species.

What does it mean for an invasive species to harm native species?

When an invasive species takes available food, prime habitat, or literally eats anything it can get in its mouth, these vital changes can affect native species survival.

In cold or wet climates, can a released pet actually become an invasive species?

The short answer is yes. There are definitely conditions that make it hard for some plants and animals to survive in our climate here in Ireland, but Be Pet Wise is about helping pet owners make responsible choices.

Climate change may also make Ireland more hospitable for many invasive species. Some species might be able to reproduce more readily, or survive our winter weather.

Regardless of where you live, releasing a pet is not a humane or responsible choice.