Don't release your unwanted pet into the environment, turn it in at a FWC Nonnative Amnesty Day Event

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) ( CLICK HERE for main page)
Nonnative Amnesty Day Events (CLICK HERE for Amnesty Day Events)

(Info from FWC web site): The Nonnative Pet Amnesty Program is an effort to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild by pet owners who can no longer care for their pets or no longer wish to keep them.  One-day-only Amnesty Day events are held around the state to provide the opportunity for people to surrender their nonnative pets free of charge with no penalties.  Every attempt will be made to place all healthy animals with qualified adopters.

Don't release your no longer wanted pet into the "wild" south Florida environment.  No good will come of it.  The pet is not suited for survival here and will have to compete in an unfamiliar environment for food and shelter.  The animal, at best, will become a nuisance.  At worse it will either kill or injure native animals or local pets, or finally be injured/killed itself.

The FWC and Zoo Miami host Nonnative Pet Amnesty Days each year. last occurring on March 12m 2011, at Zoo Miami. 70 exotic pets were turned over at the 2010 event, including eight Burmese pythons, red-eared slider turtles, parrots and even a monkey.

Be on the look out for this event which most likely will be held in or near March of 2012 at Zoo Miami.  

You can even adopt one of these animals, if you qualify.  CLICK HERE to reach the FWC page where you can download the application to become a non-native pet adopter.