Invasive Animals
Invasive Animals
Zebra mussel, Asian carp, Japanese Beetle, and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) are invasive animals you’ve likely encountered in the news. These can change ecosystems, cause widespread destruction or death of other species, and have major economic impacts. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and
There are many ways the public can help prevent the spread of invasive animals:
- Do not release any captive animals into the wild. Several
non-natives animals kept in aquaria or cages or as pets can cause problems if released into the wild, such as goldfish, snails, crayfishand frogs. - Do not release unused live worms purchased for fishing bait. Non-native earthworms have dramatically altered the ground layer of woodlands.
- Do not transport
fire wood . Invasive insects and diseases can reside in firewood. - If you are boating, be sure to follow Minnesota DNR recommendations and requirements for removing invasive plants and animals from boats (see link below).
- For control of Japanese beetles, we recommend the integrated pest management strategies outlined in Managing the Japanese Beetle: A Homeowner’s Handbook (see link below). This approach is less harmful to birds, fish
and amphibians than using pesticides on adult beetles alone.