From cane toads to kudzu, invasive species (sometimes called alien species) are those that aren't native to an ecosystem and that cause harm to native species, local economies or humans. Invasive species can be terrestrial species, like the pythons invading Florida's Everglades, marine, like the lionfish invading Caribbean waters, or pathogens. Invasive species can cause harm by out-competing native species, or preying on them. They can sometimes increase fire risks or contribute to erosion. Some invasive species have been introduced accidentally and others, like kudzu, were introduced on purpose and then spread more widely than originally intended. Invasive species are found in every type of habitat and are typically difficult to eradicate. Read more about invasive species around the globe and efforts to stop their spread.
Latest about invasive species
'Truly primal': Watch Burmese python swallow deer whole in Florida Everglades by stretching its mouth to the absolute limit
Female Burmese python measuring 14.8’ (4.5m) and weighing 115.2 lbs (52.3 kg) consuming a white-tailed deer weighing 76.9 lbs (34.9 kg) in southwestern Florida.
This transparent sea creature can age in reverse
The sea walnut, a type of comb jelly that has become invasive in parts of Europe and Asia, can transform from a sexually mature adult back into its larval form when times are tough.
Nearly half a million 'invasive' owls, including their hybrid offspring, to be killed by US
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a final proposal to kill around 450,000 invasive barred owls in the Northwest, in an attempt to save two native species.
Canadian 'super pigs' are likely to invade northern US, study warns
There is "high potential" for hogs that have gone feral in Canada to cross into South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Minnesota, where the pigs could inflict billions of dollars in damage.
Giant 'toe biter' water bugs discovered in Cyprus for the 1st time
Scientists believe toe-biting giant water bugs have arrived in Cyprus from the mainland, but they're not sure why or how.
Watch woodpecker evict starling that stole its nest by yanking it out with its beak
A bird photographer in Michigan has captured dramatic footage of the moment a red-headed woodpecker found a starling in its tree trunk nest and evicted it by yanking it out.
Giant ball of Burmese pythons having sex discovered in Florida Everglades in record-breaking catch
In a record-setting expedition, conservationists in the Everglades captured and removed 11 invasive pythons from the environment.
Giant, invasive Joro spiders with 6-foot webs could be poised to take over US cities, scientists warn
A new study shows that invasive Joro spiders are surprisingly "urban tolerant," which could enable them to take over cities and other urban areas across the U.S. East Coast.
