About Invasive Species
Also known as "aliens" or "exotics," invasive species are plants, animals, or organisms that spread so quickly that they harm other wildlife.
They are not native to Washington and were brought here by someone or something. Because they are new to this state, natural predators often don't exist, allowing them to spread at alarming rates.
Most non-native species are useful, such as farm animals and crops. Just a handful of non-native species cause problems.
Invasive Species Are Everyone's Problem
Offered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The list of invasive species are of concern internationally and many also are a threat in Washington. |
Invasive species can take over your garden, favorite swimming lake, or hiking trail.
Invasive species out-compete native plants and animals for scarce resources, changing the landscape. They damage farms and forests as well as lakes, rivers, and marine waters. They cause hundreds of billions of dollars worth of damage. Farmers, foresters, and homeowners also spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to control invasive species.
Invasive species are not just a danger in Washington. They are one of the leading threats to the world's diversity of plants, animals, and the places they live. For example, invasive species impact nearly half of the plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. |
