18 Animals You Should Never Release Back Into the Wild

Have you ever considered releasing an animal back into the wild, thinking it’s the best way to “set them free”? It can be an act of kindness, but there are some animals you never release for ecological, legal, or ethical reasons. For example, did you know that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has calculated that introducing non‐native species can cost the US over $120 billion annually in damages?

If you love pets, you should be aware that releasing them into the wild can endanger not only the animals themselves and other animals but entire ecosystems as well. The following is a list of 18 animals that have never been considered a good idea to release into the wild—and why.

Goldfish

As harmless as goldfish might seem, releasing them in rivers, ponds, or lakes can cause ecological havoc. These little swimmers can reproduce quickly, grow substantially larger in the wild, and upset ecosystems by killing vegetation and pushing out native species by scrounging their food.

A Utah Division of Wildlife Resources study found that wild goldfish reaching 4 pounds were causing havoc with native fish populations.

Green Iguanas

Originally from Central and South America, green iguanas have taken over Florida. Putting these reptiles into non-native habitats generates major problems, like the destruction of local vegetation and the damage to infrastructure. Their population boom compounds the pressure on stressed native ecosystems.

Red-Eared Sliders

Another invasive species, when released, is the red-eared slider, a popular pet turtle. The World Conservation Union considers these green sea turtles one of the top 100 invasive species globally. They destroy local wildlife and compete with native turtles for resources.

Burmese Pythons

Burmese pythons can grow to 20 feet and 200 pounds. When released into the wild, they become apex predators of ecosystems to which they never belonged. These snakes have overwhelmed Florida’s Everglades, decimating native mammals such as raccoons and rabbits.

Rabbits

Released rabbits are harmless-looking but tend to reproduce quickly, interfering with Native crops and vegetation.

Australia’s infamous “rabbit plague” is a cautionary tale. It cost billions in agricultural losses and caused lasting ecological damage. The Australian government was forced to release the disease myxomatosis in 1950 to eliminate these rabbits.

Lionfish

Originally from the Indo-Pacific region, Lionfish have taken over Atlantic and Caribbean waters since being released from home aquariums. The venomous spines and appetite come as part of their major threat to coral reef ecosystems.

European Starlings

European starlings, introduced to the US in the 19th century, now number millions. They devastate crops and have disrupted birds from their native habitats.

When you release them into the wild, you can cause an ecological disaster. From Mexico to Alaska, Northern America currently has around 200 million starlings.

Feral Cats

Feral cats refer to domestic cats thrown into the wild. They devastate native wildlife. A 2013 meta-study found that they murder 1.3 to 4 billion birds and 6.3 to 23.3 billion mammals every year in the US alone, making them the leading cause of native species’ demise.

African Clawed Frogs

If released, they spread disease, including the increasingly fatal chytridiomycosis, a fungal infection. Releasing this amphibian has led to a decline in the amphibian population in some places and other parts of the world.

Wild Boars

Released boars are highly destructive because they destroy native ecosystems by eroding crops and spreading diseases from boars to livestock and humans. The US Department of Agriculture estimates feral boars cause $1.5 billion in damages annually.

Monk Parakeets

If released, these colorful parrots become pests roaming about in large colonies that damage crops and electric infrastructure. They are a persistent nuisance and are very common in urban areas.

Cane Toads

Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 to control cane beetles. Many other countries have also released them to control pests.

Since their release, they have caused more harm than good in Australia. They harm their ecosystem and cause damage.

Other Exotic Birds like Cockatiels

Releasing pets such as cockatiels may seem compassionate, but these birds have difficulty surviving in the wild and could infect native bird populations with disease.

Koi fish

When these ornamental fish are introduced into natural waterways, they crowd out native species, muddy water, and contribute to overpopulation issues. Koi fish are resilient and can change an aquatic environment.

Domesticated Ducks

Putting ducks into ponds or lakes can spread disease and destroy local waterfowl populations. Domesticated ducks are not well adapted for survival “in the wild” and may perish or breed uncontrollably.

Raccoons

It is ”dangerous” to release raccoons, as they can carry diseases such as rabies. Raccoons also displace birds from their nests and eat eggs, harming native species. Wildlife experts say relocating or releasing this common species should be avoided for several reasons.

Honey Bees (Non-Native species)

Though they are essential pollinators, releasing non-native honey bee species can negatively impact and even destroy native bee populations by introducing disease and increasing resource competition.

Asian Carp

Released Asian carp species have overrun waterways in the US Midwest, eating vast quantities of food and outcompeting native fish species. They are costly to control, and the federal government spends millions annually.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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