Don't Let It Loose

10/16/2026

Do you need to winterize your outdoor koi or goldfish pond? It may be easier than you think! Outdoor goldfish can survive the winter as long as your pond is deep enough, water quality is maintained, and you prepare in autumn.

Goldfish and koi are both hardy types of fish and will go into "torpor" during the cold season. They rest at the bottom of the pond, and their digestive systems slow down significantly. To prepare them, reduce feeding as pond temperatures drop into the 40s (Fahrenheit) and stop feeding altogether once temperatures drop below this. In spring, begin small feedings at this temperature and slowly increase until temps warm back up.

If your pond is at least 3 feet deep, it will naturally provide an oxygenated refuge, more consistent temperatures, and should not freeze solid. Make sure to leave any filters and aerators running through winter to help prevent your pond from freezing solid. Also ensure there is enough water per fish; usually, ~250 gallons per koi or large goldfish is enough.

Avoid agitating or disturbing the water during the winter (e.g., do not break up the surface ice). Shockwaves and abrupt temperature changes can harm and, in some instances, kill the fish. Lastly, check your pond periodically for ice damage, predators, or water quality issues.

10/05/2026

04/14/2026

Only two weeks away!! Mark your calendars, we're bringing an Aquatic Pet Rehoming Event to Bozeman!🐍✨

Do you have a pet you can no longer care for? Don't Let It Loose! Pets that survive in the wild can become invasive, spreading disease and competing for resources with native wildlife.

Instead, mark your calendars, our fourth-ever Aquatic Pet Rehoming Event will be on Tuesday, April 28, at the Romney Oval on Montana State University's campus, from 10:00am - 3:00pm. Pre-registration is available at dontletitloose.com/event. Walk-ins will be limited, so please register ahead of the event.

Our partner organizations will be accepting fish, turtles, frogs, aquatic plants, and other aquatic pets for rehoming. Non-aquatic species, venomous animals, and waterfowl will not be accepted. Members of the public will not be permitted to adopt surrendered animals at this event.

04/11/2026

On one of our last free weekends, we thought we'd take a moment to thank our partners. We truly couldn't do it without you! 💌

04/07/2026

Releasing fish (whether it’s a pet or bait) is never the right thing to do! Check out rehoming resources and species regulations for your state at www.dontletitloose.com.

Ever caught a goldfish in Kansas? Your chances of doing so aren't quite 0! 🎣

Kansas wildlife officials and anglers occasionally stumble across bizarre fish in the state's rivers, ponds and lakes that don't belong here. How and why these fish end up in the state's waterways is often a mystery (although some irresponsible pet owners may be to blame).

04/05/2026

Learn more about our upcoming aquatic pet rehoming event in Bozeman and the threats that the pet release pathway pose to Montana’s waters.

Be a responsible pet owner and :
🐟 Give great consideration prior to getting a pet
🐸 Follow local and state species regulations
🐢 Always rehome pets you can no longer care for
🌱 Rehome or properly dispose of any habitat plants

BOZEMAN, Mont. — A free aquatic animal re-homing event in Bozeman is meant to help pet owners avoid releasing unwanted animals into Montana waterways.

04/01/2026

BREAKING NEWS! New research from Gotcha et al. (2026) finds a new mutation in young red-eared sliders granting them remarkable defensive capabilities. Scientists are terming these mutant turtles the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.’

Just kidding- Happy April Fool's Day!🤣

In all seriousness, red-eared sliders are incredibly adaptive to new environments, making them incredibly harmful when released into the wild. When released, red-eared sliders can become invasive, spreading disease and competing with native wildlife for resources. Always remember and instead find rehoming resources at dontletitloose.com 💫🐢

03/27/2026

Thanks for helping to spread the word, ABC FOX Montana! Releasing a pet is never the right thing; it's critical to always rehome. play a key role in keeping invasive species out of our waters! 🐸🐠🌿🐌🐢

Bozeman's ponds and waterways are facing a growing problem: abandoned goldfish, red-eared sliders, and other household pets are becoming invasive species. The Montana Invasive Species Council is hosting a free

01/13/2026

What may seem like a silly headline is an important reminder that getting a pet is a BIG deal - maybe just as big as winning a Golden Globe!

Pets are a BIG commitment! Before deciding to bring a new companion home, consider whether you have the necessary resources and time to care for the animal in the long term. Make sure you do the proper research before bringing your animal home. Rabbits and goldfish can live for over 10 years, and turtles can live for over 40 years. Pet care can also cost owners hundreds to thousands of dollars every year.

12/28/2025

🎶 Ohhhh we're (over) halfway theeeere 🎶

Head over to www.givebutter.com/ISAN to help fill the rest of the map!

🍎 1 bubble can place a toolkit with a K-12 educator
🐸 5 bubbles can place signage at a high-risk waterbody near you
🙌 Donations of any size support our team and programs, including Don't Let It Loose