Don’t Do This with Your Goldfish in New York

It is fair season and every year one of the memories that runs through my mind if how fairs when I was a kid gave out goldfish as a prize.

I am sure you could still find a carnival or fair that has a booth where you can play a game and win a fish in a bag. I can remember when the goldfish were replaced by Beta Fish. I had a Beta once they are pretty cool fish.

Are Goldfish an Invasive Species

So why is it that more fairs now give out a toy instead of a fish nowadays? Probably due to expense but I am also going to say that it might be the fact that most people didn't care for them well and they either ended up dead or released into a pond where they were sure to be eaten by a turtle. Or worse become an invasive species.

SEE Also: List of County Fairs for the Hudson Valley

Exotic pets can be fun but they are a big responsibility and should never be cast aside to become an invasive species. Yes, that innocent little goldfish you put in your neighbor's pond when you were 11 is considered an invasive species.

Goldfish aren't the only critters that get let loose when people are tired of caring for them. All types of lizards, snakes, and other reptiles are household pets these days. I am not a big fan of the Tarantulas but it too is a popular choice.

NYS DEC Warns About Exotic Pets Becoming an Invasive Species

The New State Department of Environmental Conservation sent a reminder out this past week about how the most innocent little fish can become a problem in a Hudosn Valley Pond Quickly.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds us that if the little fish doesn't get eaten it has the potential to be a 15-inch monster in a tiny pond.

NYS DEC Guidelines: Follow these guidelines to keep pets from turning into invasive pests:

Before you purchase or adopt, learn about the animal’s needs to help you decide if you can commit to its long-term care.

If you can no longer care for a pet, contact a local rescue group, school, nature center, aquarium, or zoo to ask about rehoming it, or return it to the retailer if possible.

Dispose of dead animals and aquarium plants by putting them in the garbage or burying them (where permissible).

Never release pets or plants into nearby waterbodies or the outdoors, and don't flush them down the toilet.

SEE Also: Safety Tip for Fair Season

If you do find yourself wanting to own an exotic pet it is important you learn about them and their care. Two pet places that can help you with that in the Hudson Valley are Dutchess Exotics Pet Supply and Animabilia in Fishkill.

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