megangibson+FollowRavenous moth threatens Virginia’s beloved boxwoodsVirginia’s iconic boxwood shrubs are under serious threat as the invasive box tree moth has just been spotted in Clarke and Loudoun Counties. These caterpillars are notorious for stripping plants bare, and if left unchecked, they could wipe out boxwoods that shape so many of our gardens, parks, and even historic sites. The ripple effect? Local wildlife and pollinators could suffer, too. Officials are urging everyone to keep an eye out for these pests and report any sightings. How do you handle pests in your yard, and have you noticed any changes lately? Let’s swap tips and help protect our green spaces together! #Science #Virginia #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Tanya Jackson+FollowVenomous Lionfish Invade Croatia!Croatia’s Kornati National Park just got a new (and dangerous) visitor: venomous lionfish! These spiky invaders have no natural predators here and are snacking on native fish, throwing the ecosystem out of whack. Park officials are warning everyone to watch out—those spines can cause some serious pain. If you spot one, report it! Locals are even encouraged to eat them to help control the population. Wild, right? Nature’s balance is at stake! #Pets #lionfish #invasivespecies10Share
Cassandra Snyder+FollowBeach Invasion: Seaweed Gone Wild!Ever heard of a beach being buried in stinky seaweed? Spain’s southern coast is getting swamped by Rugulopteryx okamurae, a super-invader from East Asia. Crews have hauled away over 1,200 tons, but most of it lurks underwater, choking out native plants and ruining fishing nets. It’s so out of control, experts say there’s no stopping it now. Local businesses are hurting, and the smell? Unforgettable. Would you visit a beach like this? #Pets #environment #invasivespecies00Share
fisherchad+FollowAlmost became THAT guy who ruins ecosystems 🤦♂️So there I was last spring, thinking I'd found the ultimate fishing hack. This little creek behind my buddy's place was absolutely crawling with crayfish - I'm talking hundreds of them just waiting to be scooped up. My genius plan? Fill a bucket and haul them over to the main river where I knew the bass were hungry. Easy money, right? Thank God I actually read the regs that night. Turns out those weren't even native to the river system! Could've single-handedly introduced an invasive species. Apparently rusty crayfish have already wrecked ecosystems in 12+ states because of moves exactly like mine. Now I triple-check everything before moving any bait. Anyone else have a close call like this? #fishing #fishingtips #livebait #invasivespecies #fishingfails 30Share
Michael Flores+FollowSahara mustard threatens Coachella Valley’s wild beautySahara mustard is taking over the Coachella Valley, crowding out native desert plants and shaking up the whole ecosystem. This fast-growing invader doesn’t wait for the right season—it just sprouts whenever it wants, leaving local plants struggling to survive. The big worry? If these native species disappear, the entire desert landscape could change, affecting wildlife and even our own resources. Local groups and agencies are stepping up with removal days and public education, but it’s a tough battle. Have you noticed changes in our local plant life? What do you think is the best way to protect our desert? #Science #CoachellaValley #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Wesley Romero+FollowRescue Dogs Are Now Pest Detectives!Shelter pups in Mexico are getting a wild new gig: sniffing out flesh-eating screwworms! These rescue dogs are being trained to detect this nasty pest that’s been wreaking havoc on livestock and even humans. With cases skyrocketing, officials hope these canine heroes can help stop the spread. Bonus: the U.S. is pitching in with a $51M project to fight the bugs, too. Who knew dogs could be the secret weapon against invasive species? #Pets #dogswithjobs #invasivespecies511Share
Matthew Kirk+FollowHammerhead worms: Maine’s new garden invaderHammerhead worms are popping up from York to Farmington, and they’re not your average garden pest. These toxic, ribbon-like worms can irritate your skin and make pets sick, but what’s really wild is their impact on our soil. They eat earthworms, which could mean healthier forests but might spell trouble for home gardens that rely on earthworms for good soil. If you spot one, don’t cut it—soapy water or freezing is the way to go. Maine officials want your sightings, so keep your eyes peeled! How do you feel about these unexpected visitors in our backyards? #Pets #Maine #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Richard Vaughan+FollowUnderwater Invader Alert: Brown Alga TakeoverCroatia’s coast just got a new (and not-so-welcome) resident: a fast-spreading, ochre-colored brown alga from the Indian Ocean. This seaweed is taking over the seabed, pushing out native species and threatening the whole ecosystem. Experts are asking divers and locals to help spot and report it before things get worse. Wild how one plant can cause so much chaos, right? Invasive species are a global headache—costing billions and messing with food chains everywhere. #Science #InvasiveSpecies #Croatia30Share
Jamie Brown+FollowHidden yard invader: Watch out for this plant!Star of Bethlehem flowers may look lovely, but they’re causing big headaches for St. Louis homeowners. One local gardener spent hours digging up these invasive plants, only to discover they multiply underground and can’t just be pulled or sprayed away. These flowers aren’t just a nuisance—they’re poisonous and threaten native plants, making it harder for local wildlife to thrive. With warmer weather helping invasives spread, it’s more important than ever to know what’s growing in your yard. Have you battled an invasive species at home? What’s your toughest yard challenge? #Home #StLouis #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Tamara Jones+FollowCrayfish Invasion: River Life in PerilWild update from Zambia: invasive red-clawed crayfish are taking over the Kafue River, and scientists are freaking out. These little monsters eat literally everything—fish eggs, native crabs, you name it. Local fishers are struggling because the crayfish even sneak into their nets and ruin the catch. Plus, a giant South American plant is choking out the rare Kafue antelope’s habitat. It’s a full-on battle to save the river’s ecosystem. Would you know what to do if this happened in your backyard? #Science #InvasiveSpecies #RiverCrisis186Share
