Introduced “Invasive” Species

Here is an example of a few introduced animals in the NW that I like to observe. It is amazing how many bull frogs can be seen and heard in ponds and streams. But they sometimes disappear and the native frog species come back. Bull frogs were brought here years ago as pets. Red eared sliding turtles, named for their red mark and ability to slide up and down on things, were also released as pets and they since dominated our native turtle. These frogs and turtles came to the NW from other states in the US. Here are a couple of animals from other countries: Nutrias are very similar to beavers and live in the same type of habitat. Nutria came from South America and were first brought to Alabama for their feathers many years ago but then were brought to WA in 1930 for the same reason. In the photo above you see a mom with her kits.  I see many bull frogs and red eared sliders here in WA, but the most nutria I see are in Oregon. Then one day in Oregon, also at at the Ankeny Wildlife Refuge, I was surprised to see what I believe is an African clawed frog. This frog was also came to our country as a pet in pet stores.

As I have written and said many time before – there are no invasive species – they are introduced species. These animals and plants did not sneak in here by themselves, humans brought them in on purpose or by accident. A surprising huge number of them have come from Europe way over a hundred years ago, and many more from other countries.  Some native American species, however, have been introduced from one state to another in our own country, and they are also mistakenly called invasive. Yes, some introduced species do cause damage, but there are some that have been a benefit to us. The most beneficial one I recognize is the honey bee brought in from Europe many years ago. This European honey bee is known here as the Western honey bee. And of course there are a huge number of other introduced insects in the country right know right now. Some of them, like the Japanese beetle are considered dangerous here in the NW, and one of them is a stink bug specie. Europe also brought in many birds: European starlings, House sparrows, and Rock pigeons are the ones here in the NW. As you probably know we do not have nearly as many as the introduced species as there are in Florida, and the species here are not terribly dangerous or destructible. But we do have a lot of introduced animals and plants. I will find more and post pictures.

For comments or corrections on this I would like to hear from you, so please email to reganjm@northwestwildlifeonline.com