Some people mistakenly believe that when their exotic pets get too difficult to manage, it is okay to release them into the wild. But that is exactly the wrong thing to do. Introduced pets — even goldfish — can have devastating effects on native wildlife and ecosystems. In our aquatic ecosystems, they can outcompete sportfish and natives for food and space, prey on native species, and have unforeseeable effects on the food web. Even aquarium pets, once established, can easily take over an aquatic system and negatively impact our native and sportfish populations.  While most non-native tropical fish are bright…

The season is almost here! It is that time of year when fans pour into the streets and celebrate the newness of the hunt. Is it the journey to victory? Is it the promise of a prize? Am I speaking of baseball’s spring training, March Madness, or something much more exciting? Perhaps, you have guessed by now. It is, of course, yard sale season! As the weather warms and garages bulge, countless people will empty out treasure unknown. From furniture to tools, exercise equipment to books, and everything in between, hoards of people will swarm driveways in search of some…