Most invasive vertebrate pests have been introduced by humans. Sometimes the introduction is accidental. Norway rats were transported overseas by early European explorers in ship cargo. Sometimes invasive species are introduced on purpose, or a combination of "accidentally on-purpose." The first European explorers in Arkansas brought domestic swine as a traveling food source, in which some are thought to have escaped. More recently, sport hunters released domestic swine to expand hunting opportunities. (Releasing hogs is illegal in Arkansas!)
Invasive species are not native to North America, and their proliferation has created problems in our state. These problems include:
Feral hogs, feral swine, wild pigs, wild boars - they are all the same, Sus scrofa. They wallow in and pollute our streams and compete directly with wildlife for food. The damage they cause to our fields and forests is astounding. (Photo by Clint Turnage, USDA-APHIS, Arkansas)
Explore resources on how to get rid of feral hogs
Northern snakehead fish and Asian carp are invasive species that are established in several tributaries of the Mississippi, White, and Arkansas Rivers.
Learn how to identify invasive and where to report sightings
Norway rats, black rats, and house mice contaminate human and animal food with their hair, urine, and droppings. They also cause an inestimable amount of damage to structures, particularly wall and attic insulation, electrical wiring, and plumbing. (Photo by Ed Freytag, bugwood.org)
Explore how to get rid of rats and mice
Large flocks of non-native birds such as European starlings, English sparrows, and pigeons can create problems. These birds can consume large amounts of agriculture crops or leave bird droppings which present a health hazard around homes, businesses, and hospitals. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission allows taking some non-native bird species when causing property damage. It is illegal to poison birds and other wildlife in Arkansas. Always check with a wildlife officer first before taking lethal actions. (Photo by Joseph LaForest, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)
A fact sheet from the APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine section describing the
invasive pest problems and solutions.
A poster featuring some of the invasive plants and diseases impacting Arkansas.
A poster featuring some of the invasive insects and animals impacting Arkansas.
A poster featuring some of the things we can do to fight invasive pests.