1. New Invasive Species Campaign in Michigan
Purpose: educating retailers and consumers about animal and plant containment and disposal options
Encourage your local retailers to participate and to display educational materials!
Learn more at bit.ly/miripple & facebook.com/miripple
RIPPLE is a partnership between Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Quality, and Natural Resources

2. RIPPLE Materials are available
Free print and digital materials are available!
Visit bit.ly/getmiripple to order FREE materials
Visit facebook.com/miripple to share the RIPPLE message
Have an event coming up? RIPPLE standup banners and display boards are available

3. Steps to Reduce Pet and Water Garden Escapes
Never release fish or plants into the environment.
Give or trade unwanted fish or plants with another hobbyist, environmental learning center, aquarium or zoo.
Seal aquatic plants for disposal in a plastic bag in the trash. Do not compost.
Inspect and rinse new aquatic plants to rid them of seeds, plant fragments, snails and fish (eggs).
Build water gardens well away from other waters.
Contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance on humane disposal of animals.

4. Contain Your Pets and Plants
Never release unwanted pets or plants into the environment
Release can:
Spread disease
Create Michigan’s next most wanted invasive species!

5. Pick The Right Pet
Pets take responsibility. Before purchasing consider:
Pet life expectancy- many reptiles, birds and fish live well over 20 years!
Future size and housing needs
What kind of food it eats, how often it eats and its availability
When it comes to owning a pet, a quick decision is usually a poor decision.
Sulcata Tortoise.
Live up to 70 yrs.
Ball Python
Live up to 30 yrs.
Goldfish
Live up to 25 yrs.

6. Have an Unwanted Pet? Return it to a pet store
Give or trade with another hobbyist or environmental learning center
Contact a veterinarian for euthanasia options

7. Prevent Escapes from Water Gardens
Non-native plants are sold in the water garden trade. Never release into the wild.
Inspect and rinse aquatic plants- they can contain seeds, plant fragments and snails.
Build water gardens away waterways.
Seal plants for disposal in a plastic bag.
Give or trade with another hobbyists or environmental learning centers.