Pennsylvania

Discover 9 Invasive Species in Pennsylvania

Published

2 years ago

April 29, 2023

Discover 9 Invasive Species in Pennsylvania

Invasive species are any dwelling organisms which can be non-native to an surroundings and whose presence causes destructive impacts on the ecosystem or human well being. Many non-native vegetation and animals are helpful to their launched environments, corresponding to cows and tomatoes. However others can take root and trigger imbalance and even chaos. Invasive species are unfold by people, both purposely or by chance. As a result of our huge international transportation community, species native to at least one area can simply discover their technique to one other. Each state has a listing of invasive species, together with Pennsylvania. Uncover 9 invasive species in Pennsylvania and find out about what makes them dangerous.

Invasive Mammals in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has one invasive mammal species.

1. Wild Boar

Wild boars have been noticed in Pennsylvania, with the potential to turn into a major risk.

©iStock.com/JMrocek

The wild boar is an rising risk in Pennsylvania. Feral swine was launched to the US within the 1500s as a meals supply for early settlers. However the livestock incessantly escaped and commenced populating within the wild. This species causes $2.5 billion value of agricultural injury annually within the nation as they devour native vegetation and introduce invasive seeds. Wild boars may also be aggressive and unfold lethal ailments. They’ve been noticed in Pennsylvania, with the potential to turn into a major risk.

Invasive Birds in Pennsylvania

There are three established invasive hen species in Pennsylvania.

2. European Starling

A European starling singing in the wild — European starlings are wonderful mimics and may imitate different birds, equipment, and even human speech.
©Soru Epotok/Shutterstock.com

European starlings have been deliberately launched in Central Park in 1890 by a gaggle of people that wished America to have all of the birds in Shakespeare’s writings. Actually, they tried a few occasions earlier than these birds lastly took maintain. Immediately the European starling is among the most prolific birds within the nation. Whereas they’re lovely and attention-grabbing birds, they’re thought of invasive. They injury crops and berry bushes. And they’re infamous bullies that drive out native species from their surroundings.

3. Home Sparrow

house sparrow — Home sparrows have been imported to the continent within the 1850s for nostalgic functions.
©Rob Christiaans/Shutterstock.com
Advertisement

Home sparrows, regardless of their frequent presence, will not be native to the US. They have been imported to the continent within the 1850s for nostalgic functions. And lots of believed they might additionally management insect populations. However these birds are infamous for killing native birds, corresponding to bluebirds and purple martins, and taking up their nests.

Invasive Fish and Different Aquatic Animals in Pennsylvania

There are 5 established invasive aquatic animals in Pennsylvania. Listed below are two of the commonest.

4. Asiatic Clam

Freshwater Golden Clam - Asian Clam - Invasive Animals — Asian clams are widespread in Pennsylvania, the place you can see them in most rivers, lakes, and streams. They will infest water therapy techniques and injury infrastructure.
©Jay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com

Asian clams unfold by way of human transport and water currents, settling in sandy lake bottoms. They rapidly infest water therapy techniques, passing by way of filters and settling in pipes. They have been seemingly launched as a meals supply and can be utilized as reside bait, spreading into freshwater sources. These clams reproduce rapidly and negatively have an effect on infrastructure and human actions. Asiatic clams are widespread in Pennsylvania, the place you can see them in most rivers, lakes, and streams.

5. Frequent Carp

man holding giant common carp — Frequent carp launch phosphorus, which will increase the manufacturing of algae. They’re damaging to the shallow lakes and wetlands of Pennsylvania.
©Fabien Monteil/Shutterstock.com
Advertisement

In an effort to domesticate carp within the mid-1800s, the frequent carp rapidly reproduced and unfold by way of many waterways. Like many invasive species, these fish reproduce simply and may reside in lots of environments. Whereas they might be enjoyable to fish, they’re damaging to shallow lakes and wetlands. They muddy the waters by rooting by way of vegetation. They usually launch phosphorus, which will increase the manufacturing of algae.

Invasive Bugs in Pennsylvania

There are eight established invasive insect species in Pennsylvania. Try these two generally discovered within the state.

6. Japanese Beetle

Japanese beetle on a green leaf. — Japanese beetles destroy the flowers and fruits of over 300 vegetation. They have been introduced right here in 1916 by hitching a experience on Japanese plant roots.
©PaulReevesPhotography/Shutterstock.com

In the course of the 1916 World’s Truthful, Japanese nursery inventory was delivered to the US. The beetles hitched a experience on the plant’s roots and unfold from there. Whereas this species has pure predators in Japan, they lack something to maintain it in examine in America, permitting it to unfold simply and turn into extremely damaging. They feed on grass roots, which injury pastures and lawns. Japanese beetles additionally destroy the flowers and fruits of over 300 vegetation.

7. Spongy Moth

Spongy moth - Lymantria dispar dispar — Spongy moths have been by chance launched by an novice entomologist conducting breeding experiments. They injury bushes by consuming a lot of the leaves, leaving them to die with out the flexibility to photosynthesize.
©Jay Ondreicka/Shutterstock.com
Advertisement

An novice entomologist from 1869 was conducting breeding experiments with a spongy moth native to Europe. The moth escaped captivity and commenced reproducing. Immediately it’s an invasive species throughout many areas of the US. They invaded the hardwood forests of North America, the place they lack pure predators. They usually can thrive on a whole lot of bushes and vegetation. However they injury bushes by consuming most of their leaves. And with out leaves, bushes can’t photosynthesize and finally die.

Invasive Crops in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has over 140 invasive vegetation inside its borders. Some are extra dangerous than others. Listed below are two invasive vegetation which can be significantly troublesome and tough to comprise.

8. Tree of Heaven

Timber of Heaven have been delivered to America from China within the late 1700s. They have been meant for use in horticulture as shade bushes, however they rapidly unfold and have become an issue species. These vegetation have a fast development fee and are proof against many ailments. Not solely do they displace native plant species, however they will additionally injury sewer techniques and foundations as a result of their root techniques. And they’re tough to regulate as a result of they simply reproduce.

9. Big Hogweed

giant hogweed in field — Big hogweed is invasive in lots of places. They exhibit prolific seed manufacturing and develop in thick, dense clumps. Their development blocks the solar and erodes the soil, killing native species.
©iStock.com/Mieszko9
Advertisement

Big hogweed is native to the Caucasus Mountains close to Russia and the Center East. Their origins in America are considerably unknown. They have been both launched by individuals who loved the plant’s look and wished it to develop right here, or they have been by chance introduced right here by way of spice importation. The plant has prolific seed manufacturing, that means they simply reproduce. They usually can develop thick and dense, which kills different native vegetation by blocking daylight. These vegetation may also erode the soil. Big hogweed is a toxic plant that causes well being dangers to people. Contact with the plant’s sap may end up in painful lesions just like burns.

Invasive Species in Pennsylvania: Full Record

These organisms are established invasive species within the state of Pennsylvania.

Sort of Invasive Organism	Organisms
Mammal	Wild boar
Chicken	European starling, home sparrow, mute swan
Fish and Different aquatic animals	Asiatic clam, frequent carp, sea lamprey, Alewife, Allegheny crayfish
Insect	Japanese beetle, spongey moth, emerald ash borer, Balsam woolly adelgid, brown marmorated stinkbug, elongate hemlock scale, pine sawfly, spotted-wing drosophila
Plant (highest precedence)	Tree of heaven, big hogweed, mile-a-minute, purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, palmer amaranth, porcelain berry, Japanese angelica tree, Japanese barberry, European barberry, Oriental bittersweet, poison hemlock, big knotweed, hydrilla, Japanese stiltgrass, frequent reed, kudzu, European water chestnut

There are a whole lot of established, rising, and doable invasive species in Pennsylvania.

Up Subsequent:

Source link

Pennsylvania

Final Call Snowfall Forecast for Sunday’s Snowstorm in Pennsylvania

Published

41 minutes ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Final Call Snowfall Forecast for Sunday’s Snowstorm in Pennsylvania

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued by the NWS ahead of our short, but potent snowstorm that is on tap for Sunday. Travel will be dangerous Sunday afternoon and evening in most of the state, and it’ll be one of those days to stay inside and watch a snowy Eagles playoff game.

On the graphic below, you will also see Extreme Cold Watches in Western and Northern PA, issued for Monday to Thursday. There is a strong chance schools will be closed for multiple days this coming week due to the threat of frostbite. We will have those details on Sunday!

Snowstorm Timing

Light snow will move into Southern PA from SW to NE on Sunday morning between 9 – 11 AM. The leading edge of snow will push northeast towards I-80 around lunchtime, meanwhile snow will become heavy in Southern and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Heavy snow will continue generally along and east of the I-81 corridor through Sunday afternoon, while light to moderate snow falls near I-99 and Route 15 in Northern PA. As we head into the evening, snow will lighten up from SW to NE and begin to move out.

This will be a fluffy snow, which means it won’t be too exhausting to shovel. However it also means as winds kick up behind the storm for the next few days, snow drifts over roadways will be a concern along with the life-threatening cold temperatures.

Below are timing charts for this storm. If you do not see your location, please find the nearest city or area.

Below is the latest future radar from the Hi-Res Rapid Refresh Model as of Saturday evening, lining up with the timing shown above. You will also notice a small chance of mixing in Philadelphia, as well as lake effect snow in NWPA.

Area A: Snowfall accumulation of 6 – 8″ expected. Snow-covered roads will cause dangerous travel conditions soon after snow begins through early Monday morning.

Area B: Snowfall accumulation of 4 – 6″ anticipated. Roads will become snow-covered, making travel inadvisable after snow starts into early Monday AM.

Area C: Snowfall accumulation of 2 – 4″ expected. Snow-covered roads will lead to very poor travel conditions.

Area D: Snowfall accumulation of 1 – 2″ anticipated. Secondary roads may be covered by snow, causing slippery travel.

Be sure to share this forecast with friends and family!

More details on the harsh cold next week will be posted Sunday.

Final Call Snowfall Forecast for Sunday’s Snowstorm in Pennsylvania

Source link

Pennsylvania

Here’s where 6-8 inches of snow could dump on central Pa. this weekend: forecasters

Published

9 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Here’s where 6-8 inches of snow could dump on central Pa. this weekend: forecasters

Forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) are calling for between 6 to 8 inches of snow in parts of central Pennsylvania this Sunday after unusually warm temperatures cover the region Saturday.

High temperatures in Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, Chambersburg and the surrounding areas are expected to be in the low to mid-40s Saturday, before dropping below freezing in the evening, bringing a possibility of rain and snow to the region.

Srly winds will provide a break from the cold and snow of recent nights. High temp on Saturday will rise above freezing! The break will be short lived, however, as a cold front pushes through central PA late Saturday and be accompanied by snow and rain. Yes, rain, for some! pic.twitter.com/CoBABWWV5K
— NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) January 18, 2025

Several counties — including Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Perry, Lebanon, Adams, York and Lancaster — are under a winter storm watch from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, the NWS said.

Harrisburg’s snow should start after 10 a.m. Sunday, with accumulations up to 8 inches possible. Winds will also be gusting up to 20 miles per hour Sunday.

A quick-hitting and potentially significant snowstorm is expected on Sunday, but there remains considerable uncertainty in where the heaviest snowfall will occur. A multi-day period of dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills will follow Sun night thru Wed. pic.twitter.com/QlhhGd1m72
— NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) January 18, 2025

The NWS said Harrisburg, York and Lancaster will receive between 6 and 8 inches of snow Sunday, while municipalities further west and north — including Chambersburg, Mifflintown and Selinsgrove — should see between 4 and 6 inches.

Forecasters also predicted this weekend’s snowstorm to be “quick-hitting” and “potentially significant” with dangerously cold temperatures and sub-zero wind chills in the following days.

“We expect cold weather this time of year in Pennsylvania, but the extreme cold and windchills that we’re going to see next week mean we all need to make sure that our families and homes are ready for it,” said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield. “PEMA will be working with county partners to make sure they have the resources they need to keep people safe throughout this cold snap.”

According to the National Weather Service, January 2018 is the last time Pennsylvania experienced an extended period of frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills.

Parts of north-central Pennsylvania are not expected to be hit quite as hard, with cities like Warren, Bradford, Coudersport, Emporium and Wellsboro forecast to receive between 1 and 2 inches of snow by 7 p.m. Sunday.

By Monday, forecasters are calling for frigid temperatures and severe wind chills throughout central Pennsylvania. Harrisburg’s high temperatures for Monday and Tuesday are 19 and 17 respectively, while conditions plummet to around 1 degree both nights.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s office released a statement Friday urging Pennsylvanians to prepare for the winter weather and frequently check forecasts ahead of the storm. The statement also included tips for recognizing cold-related health concerns:

Hypothermia causes shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness in adults and bright red, cold skin and very low energy in babies.
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas, and symptoms include a white or grayish-yellow area of skin, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy.

Staying indoors is the easiest way to avoid cold-related health issues, but if you must go outside consider the following:

Make outdoor trips brief and dress warm in layers
Cover your ears, head, mouth and face
Never ignore shivering – it’s your body’s way of saying you’re losing heat and it’s time to warm back up

Older adults often make less body heat than younger people due to slower metabolisms and less physical activity. Anyone over 65 is recommended to regularly check the temperature in their homes during this weekend and next week.

PennDOT wants to remind Pennsylvanians that driving during winter weather can be dangerous. If you do hit the road, it is important to prepare beforehand.

Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, safe tires, a full reservoir of windshield wiper fluid and working windshield wipers. PennDOT also recommends having food, water, warm clothing/blankets and any other necessary items — such as medications or baby/pet supplies — in your vehicle if you choose to travel.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and UGI Utilities issued statements with tips and tricks ahead of the winter storm, which is expected to drive up demand for electricity and natural gas.

The PUC included the following advice:

Adjust your thermostat – Lowering the thermostat a few degrees, especially during times you are away or asleep, can significantly reduce energy consumption
Seal leaks and drafts – Use weather stripping, caulk, or door sweeps to block cold drafts and keep warm air indoors
Use natural sunlight – Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let in warmth and close them at night to retain heat
Bundle up indoors – Dress in layers and use extra blankets to stay warm without turning up the heat excessively
Maintain heating systems – Change furnace filters regularly and schedule maintenance if possible, ensuring systems run efficiently
Unplug and power down – Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use to conserve electricity

Additional tips from UGI include never using a gas-powered range or oven to heat a home, clearing snow and ice from meters and vents by hand or with a broom, allowing faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing and opening cabinet doors to warm exposed pipes.

Anyone using portable heaters should follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, including plugging the heater directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.

Source link