Exotic Pets

Non-native or so-called "exotic" species are among the more insidious and confusing threats to the health of our coastal ecosystems.

When pet owners release fish, birds or other animals or plants into the wild, they may reproduce and displace native species. Maryland Sea Grant Extension has joined with the Maryland Association of Pet Industries and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to produce a poster — for use in pet stores, for example — that advises pet owners not to release non-native animals or plants into the open environment.

Releasing non-native or exotic animals and aquarium plants into the environment causes harmful consequences to native fish, wildlife, and flora populations by competing for food and habitat, spreading disease, and enabling genetic contamination. State law also prohibits the release of non-native species.

Be environmentally responsible and contact the Maryland Association of Pet Industries at www.mdapi.com for information about re-homing exotic species.

Download a small version of the poster (pdf, 8.5" x 11", ~1.2 mb) or order a copy of the poster by contacting Jeannette Connors at connors@mdsg.umd.edu.