Kayle Marsh and Kendalle Booth Invasive Species Kayle Marsh and Kendalle Booth

Chinese Mitten Crab This is a non-native species found in the Hudson River that originally from East Asia. It is uncertain how these crabs arrived here, but they were thought to come from ship ballast water and live releases. The Chinese Mitten Crab competes with the native blue crab in the Hudson. They threaten stream banks, dam stability, and promote erosion and habitat loss. To prevent to spread if caught do not release back into water.

Eurasian Boar The Eurasian Boar is newly found in New York, but it is originally from Europe and Asia. They were imported as a food source and then escaped or were intentionally released. They eat hard mast, nest/eggs, fawns, and any crops. They also destroy the land, are aggressive towards people and their animals, and can transmit diseases. The DEC can hunt and trap the Eurasian Boar to prevent the spread.

Northern Snakehead Fish The Northern Snakehead Fish can be found in the Great Lakes but is native to China, Russia, and Korea. It arrived here through ship ballast water. They harm the native fish and wildlife. They also eat frogs, crayfish, and aquatic insects. To control the spread of these invasive species, if one is caught immediately kill it. Do not release it back into the water.

Gypsy Moth The Gypsy Moth is a non-native species from France. The Gypsy Moths were accidentally introduced when they were brought her to reproduce with silk worms to develop a silk industry in the United States. It eats oak, maple, apple, crabapple, aspen, willow, birch, mountain ash, pine and spruce. They caused the defoliation of trees. A method of control that could be used is the spraying of trees.

Wild Parsnip Wild Parsnip in found in New York but is native to Europe and Asia. It was originally brought to America as a food source and then became wide spread throughout America. It can push out native species and remove important food sources for animals. It can also cause severe burns. To prevent the spread of Wild Parsnip remove by the roots and dispose of.

Viburnum Leaf Beetle The Viburnum Leaf Beetle has been found in WNY, but is native to Eurasia. How it got to America is unknown. The larvae and adults destroys the leaves on trees. This can cause trees to die off. To control the spread of the beetle don’t move firewood.

Didymo (Rock Snot) Didymo is native to North America and Europe and this also found in New York. It can completely cover long stretches of stream beds causing animals that live on the stream bed to die. It can also cause lack of food sources for trout and other fish. It also prevents recreational uses. A method of control for Didymo is the "Inspect, Clean and Dry" method.

Giant African Snail The Giant African Snail is native Africa. It was first introduced as pets and may have accidentally arrived in cargo. They cause damage in tropical and sub-tropical agricultural systems. They also cause damage to other things in the environment. Toxic bait can be used as a control method.

Cactus Moth The Cactus Moth is found in the United States but are native South America. It arrived here in cargo and spread throughout the southwest states. They feed on prickly pear cacti and are capable of destroying populations. They can also affect the agriculture uses of the prickly pears. Pesticides can be used in small areas to control the spread of the Cactus Moth.

Brown Tree Snake The Brown Tree Snake is native to Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea. It accidentally was transported here in cargo. It preys on native lizards and birds. There are also frequent power outages due to them climbing on electrical wires. To prevent the spread of Brown Tree Snakes if one is found call the DEC.

Raccoon Dog The Raccoon Dog is native to China, Indonesia, Korea, and Japan but are now in Europe. They were captured and taken to other places, but in some areas they may have escaped farms or captivity. Raccoon Dogs can cause major problems to waterfowl colonies. They can carry diseases like rabies that can harm humans and other animals. Its almost impossible to eradicate these species, but they can be hunted to control the population.

Burmese Python It is native to Southeast Asia. They were exotic pets, but they were released into the wild. It eats native animals in the everglades such as raccoons, bobcats, foxes, and alligators. They have reduced the native species. Methods of control are hunting, trapping, and laws against importing.