Vacation: Part 11 - Invasive Species

Jason's holding up two of the invasive species found in Wisconsin: garlic mustard and the Eastern tent caterpillar.

Wisconsin faces an onslaught of invasive species from other regions and countries. These non-native plants, animals and pathogens displace native species, disrupt ecosystems, and harm recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. They also damage commercial, agricultural, and aquacultural resources.

Because they lack the predators and competitors they faced in their homelands, invasive species can spread rapidly and aggressively. Controlling invasive species is difficult, and getting rid of them is often impossible. People play a major role in spreading invasive species, and can also help keep them from spreading. We can save our favorite places if we all do our part! (Got that right off the Wisconsin DNR site. I couldn't make it sound any more official than that.)