Non-Native Aquarium Pets Found in Montana Waters

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) recently identified two non-native species introduced through aquarium dumps, posing a threat to local ecosystems.

The first discovery was at Finley Point in Flathead Lake, where mystery snails were detected. Although common in Western waters, this is the first known population of mystery snails in Montana. FWP plans to remove them later this season.

In a small pond near Bozeman, an angler caught a Dojo loach, an aquarium fish native to East Asia.

Releasing aquarium pets into lakes or rivers might seem harmless, but it endangers both the pets and native wildlife. The pets often can't survive, and invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems.

For more information on the negative impacts of releasing pets into the wild, visit www.dontletitloose.com.