You'd Be Surprised On What Qualify's As An Evasive Species In Washington State

You see the signs all the time and you drive by them but it might not occur to you that you've caused a situation that might have dire consequences.

Zoonar RF
Zoonar RF
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African Clawed Frogs Can Be Deadly To The State Of Washington

I was always under the impression that only boat owners had to worry about "evasive" species being released into Washington State but I discovered that the problem is a lot bigger than you would think.

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According to the Washington State of Fish and Wildlife, African Clawed Frogs are an invasive species of concern that can eat native amphibians and fish, including baby salmon

Here's what the Evasive Species Council says about releasing pets into the wild:

Abandoned pets and plants that are released into the wild may become a serious problem. Never release unwanted home or classroom pets, animals, or plants into the wild, such as rivers, streams, lakes, or stormwater ponds.

Most unwanted pets will not survive in the wild and may suffer before death. If it does manage to survive, it may harm the environment and businesses. Invasive species cost the United States billions of dollars each year.

Some of the most devastating invasive species originally were sold as pets or plants for gardens, ponds, and aquariums.

It's one of those eye-openers for me. It never occurred to me that a family pet like a frog, fish, or even a plant could do so much damage.

Bullfrog in the hand
Kenneth C. Zirkel
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If you do need to rehome your pet, there is a map and website provided by the Evasive Species Council that'll help you in the process. You can click here for more details and the map.

credit: department of wildlife
credit: department of wildlife
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If you have an African Clawed Frog, you might rethink that decision to keep it. It would be wise to contact the Evasive Species Council for guidance.

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LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

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