Although problems concerning a variety of introduced species are often in the news, the reporting shows little understanding of the differences in how the species arrive in the country and for what purpose. There are essential differences in the problems that arise when species are brought in to be raised and sold as pets and when alien species are let loose into the natural environment to mature and reproduce. The problem of introduced species seems to be an intractable one, but the role the media can play in finding a solution is a large one.