Invasive Animal Management
What makes a species "invasive"?
Species that come from a distant region or another continent can become invasive. That's because they may have no natural controls, such as predators or foragers, in the new landscape. As a result, they often eat local wildlife or their foods and consume or destroy their habitat. They can also outcompete crops and livestock forage, reducing economic productivity.
Invasive species can arrive by accident or on purpose. For example, the zebra mussel arrived by accident in the ballast water of international shipping vessels. Asian carp, on the other hand, were introduced to control vegetation and snails in aquaculture fish tanks and sewage treatment plants. Since their introduction, both zebra mussels and Asian carp have become major threats to native aquatic species in Missouri.
What's the difference between "invasive" and "nuisance"?
"Invasive" species come from other watersheds, other regions or other continents. "Nuisance" animals are native to the local landscape but can cause problems. Canada geese, for example, have historically used Missouri for summer breeding grounds, but they have become nuisances where they have year-round access to short, palatable grass and open water.
What can I do about invasive species?
If you care about crops and native wildlife, please do what you can to control invasive species when you landscape, farm, hunt, fish, camp or explore nature. Invasive species and their seeds can travel on tires, clothes, in bait buckets and firewood.
