What invasive species are there in Virginia?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has created a list of invasive species in Virginia that people should be aware of.

The DCR has compiled a list of invasive species that can be found in Virginia. An invasive species is a plant, animal or pathogen that can harm the environment because they are non-native to the area. These species are not needed in our ecosystem in order for it to thrive, it’s more important to protect the native species of Virginia.

1. Feral swine

Feral swine, also known as wild pigs, wild hogs or boars, originates from Europe. They were brought to the states by settlers and were used for food. Now, feral swine disrupt the ecosystem by damaging people’s crops, uprooting trees and wallowing in wetlands.

   2. Northern snakehead

The northern snakehead is a type of fish that originates from Asia, more specifically, China, Russia and Korea. It’s predicted that they were introduced to America by fishermen for people who own exotic fish. This fish can lay up to 75,000 eggs a year and are fierce protectors of their nests.

   3. Spotted lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly originates from China and Vietnam. They are an essential pollinator in Asia and wasps keep their population low. In the United States, they do not have any predators which makes their numbers grow. The spotted lanternfly is dangerous to our crops and native trees.

   4. Tree-of-heaven

The tree-of-heaven can grow up to 80 feet tall. The plant can grow quickly and release its seeds into the wind. It was brought to the United States as a decorative plant but the tree-of-heaven releases chemicals that can reduce the growth of plants around it.

   5. Wavyleaf grass

Wavyleaf grass growth can become dense, this can cause seedlings on the forest ground to have restricted sunlight which disrupts their growth. This grass can spread by attaching itself to people or animals, so it is important to be aware if one has attached itself to you.

   6. Bradford pear tree

Bradford pear trees, also known as Callery pear or ornamental pear, received this name because its shape perfectly resembles a pear. These trees are planted into people’s yards because of their gorgeous flowers and ability to grow quickly. However, the Bradford pear tree can spread its seeds effortlessly and they can restrict native trees by taking over areas.

   7. Two-horned trapa

The two-horned trapa originates from Japan and East Asia. It has the ability to cover bodies of water which blocks the sunlight and harms the ecosystem. Water that is covered by two-horned trapa becomes unusable for recreational activities like boating and fishing.

   8. Imported fire ant

The imported fire ant originates from South America it was accidentally introduced to the United States during the 1930s. It is harmful to crops and smaller animals by using its painful stinger.

   9. Emerald ash borer

The emerald ash borer is a beetle with a metallic-green look to it that harms the Virginia native ash tree. These trees do not have a natural defense, so it’s important to protect them from emerald ash borers and other species that can harm them. When buying firewood, it’s important to buy it close to where you’ll burn it. This helps prevent the spread of these invasive species.