About Invasives Species

Invasive species are plants, animals, and microbes that are out of place and out of control. Humans have a long history of moving species to new areas, sometimes deliberately, sometimes accidentally. Many are benign and beneficial, providing food, fiber and other benefits, but a small number become problematic.

In the absence of predators, diseases or competitors from their native landscapes, they thrive choke out other plants, cause disease, or prey upon other animals that have no defenses against the new arrivals.

Common Questions About Invasives

  • Why do some species become problems?
  • How do they get here?
  • What are their impacts?

Answers to these questions and more can be found in this section.