Like many countries around the world, the United States has its share of invasive species. Invasive species are plant, fish, insect, reptile or mammal species that have adapted to life in a region that they are not native to. Invasive species often out-compete other native species, making them a danger to natural ecosystems. Here are just 5 of the most destructive invasive species in the US.
1. Burmese Python
One of the most destructive invasive species in the US is the Burmese python. These snakes, which grow to between 12 and 20 feet long, were first brought into the United States as pets. After escape or release, they established a large breeding population in Florida. These snakes are voracious eaters, and have decimated local wildlife populations.
2. Africanized Bee
Another invasive species is the Africanized bee. These bees are a mix of Africa and European honey bees, and were originally bred in Brazil. They were accidentally released, these bees spread up through South and Central America and into the southern United States. Africanized bees are very aggressive, and often take over the nests of native bees. The stings of these bees contain no more toxin than an average bee. But because they follow and repeatedly attack anything they consider a threat, they are sometimes more dangerous.
3. Asian Carp
The Asian carp is another invasive species in the US. These fish, which are native to China and Vietnam, were originally introduced into ponds to help control algae. They escaped during floods and infiltrated the Mississippi river and other nearby lakes, ponds, and rivers. These carp can grow to over 100 pounds, depending on the particular species, and have caused a range of human injury due to their propensity to leap out of the water when disturbed by boat motors. They often out-compete native fish, and are a huge threat to local wildlife.
4. European Starling
European starlings were introduced to the United States when they were released in Central Park, New York, in an effort to bring all the animals mentioned by Shakespeare to the US. These starlings quickly spread across all of the lower 48 states. European starlings damage fruit, grain, and vegetable crops. They also compete with native birds for nesting spaces.
5. Giant African Snail
Giant African snails are another problematic invasive species. They first came into Florida as pets, and were then released into the wild. Since then, they have spread across the state. These snails eat plants voraciously, damaging crops and competing with local wildlife. They will also eat stucco, wood, and plaster, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Related articles: A New Threat to the Endangered Florida Key Deer as well as Most Endangered: 5 Wild Cat Species on the Brink
Featured Image from John Yunker/Unsplash
