William Wilkerson+FollowBackyard Ponds: The Secret Plant ProblemTurns out those cute backyard ponds might be hiding a big secret: they’re helping invasive plants spread, even if you think you’re being eco-friendly! A new study found half of garden ponds have at least one banned plant, and most people have no idea. These invaders can escape into rivers and lakes, causing chaos for local wildlife and making yard work a nightmare. Next time you’re swapping plants, double-check they’re not on the naughty list! #Home #BackyardPonds #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Zachary Gutierrez+FollowKelp Forests Under Attack!Did you know Maine’s iconic kelp forests are vanishing fast? Warming oceans and a takeover by invasive red algae (plus hungry sea urchins) are wiping them out. These algae even release chemicals that stop new kelp from growing! Losing kelp means less habitat for fish, trouble for local fisheries, and a shaky coastal ecosystem. Scientists are scrambling to find heat-resistant kelp and ways to fight back, but it’s a race against time. Would you miss kelp if it disappeared? #Science #ClimateChange #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Cassandra Snyder+FollowGiant pythons are changing Florida lifeGiant Burmese pythons aren’t just a wild Everglades story anymore—they’re showing up in Florida neighborhoods, reshaping local wildlife, and spreading faster than anyone expected. These massive snakes, once rare pets, now dominate wetlands and are wiping out native animals, with some mammal populations dropping by 90%. Experts say the Gulf Coast is the next front, and more outbreaks are likely as pythons follow canals and waterways into new areas. Florida’s response mixes high-stakes hunts, citizen action, and tech, but the challenge is growing. How would you feel finding a 15-foot snake near your home? What should communities do next? #Pets #FloridaWildlife #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Zachary Gutierrez+FollowGreen crabs threaten Skagit Bay’s balanceEuropean green crabs are turning up in worrying numbers in Skagit Bay, and that’s bad news for local waters and the fishing industry. These small but aggressive invaders tear up eelgrass beds and push out native crabs, even eating young salmon and king crab. The fact that researchers found several mature crabs means they’ve been lurking here for years, and their spread could upend the bay’s ecosystem and hurt local livelihoods. Community volunteers helped spot the problem early—now, everyone’s needed to keep these invaders from taking over. How should we tackle this together? #Science #SkagitBay #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Melvin Mosley+FollowFeral Hogs: The $2.5B Problem You Never KnewRemember that wild '30-50 feral hogs' meme? Turns out, it’s not just internet lore—feral hogs are actually wreaking havoc in Missouri and beyond. Conservationists and the USDA are literally taking to the skies to hunt these super-destructive pigs, which cause billions in damage, ruin crops, pollute water, and even spread disease. Who knew the real-life 'hog invasion' was this intense? #Science #FeralHogs #InvasiveSpecies10Share
kellydesiree+FollowGoldfish invasion shakes up Ottawa pond lifeA stormwater pond in Ottawa’s Central Park neighborhood is being overrun by goldfish—about 1,000 of them! These invasive fish, likely former pets, are causing real trouble for native species by muddying the water and lowering oxygen levels, which led to thousands of fish dying earlier this year. Local officials are stepping in to remove the goldfish using nets, hoping to restore balance without harming other pond life. It’s a strong reminder: never release pets into local waterways. How do you think we should handle invasive species in our neighborhoods? #Pets #Ottawa #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Melvin Mosley+FollowHawai'i's hero dog sniffs out palm tree invadersA specially trained dog named Manu is now the island’s secret weapon against coconut rhinoceros beetles, which are tearing through Hawai'i’s palm trees and leaving growers desperate. Manu and his handler can find beetle larvae hidden deep in piles of wood chips and debris—places humans would never think to look. This canine detective work is giving scientists a fighting chance to save beloved palms and local landscapes. If you have palm trees, keep an eye out for holes or damaged leaves, and clear away decaying wood. How do you tackle yard pests where you live? #Science #Hawaii #InvasiveSpecies240Share
Tamara Jones+FollowFlorida’s wild iguana hunts: Would you dive in?People in South Florida are literally diving headfirst into canals to catch invasive green iguanas—by hand! Led by Mike Kimmel, aka the Python Cowboy, these hunts are part adventure, part environmental mission. Iguanas have become a real headache here, wrecking yards, burrowing into canal banks, and even threatening flood control systems. The state lets folks remove them year-round, but the real challenge is keeping up with their rapid spread. Would you ever try a hands-on hunt like this, or do you think there’s a better way to protect our neighborhoods and wildlife? #Science #FloridaLife #InvasiveSpecies00Share
William Wilkerson+FollowThis Plant Is Wrecking Yards EverywhereJapanese barberry might look harmless, but it’s actually a total menace for your yard and local wildlife. It creates the perfect hideout for ticks and mice (hello, Lyme disease risk), and it’s spreading like crazy across North America. Gardeners on Reddit are sharing horror stories about trying to get rid of it—apparently, the roots are next-level stubborn. If you want a healthy, tick-free yard, experts say it’s time to ditch this invasive plant and go native! #Home #gardeningtips #invasivespecies00Share
William Mckinney+FollowDogs vs. Minks: Ireland’s Wild New PlanIreland’s going full detective mode on invasive American minks—using dogs and volunteers! The government’s testing out a pilot project where trained pups sniff out minks, and local volunteers help trap them and track progress. Why? These minks are bad news for native birds and biodiversity. If this works, it could be a game-changer for fighting invasive species. Would you join a squad like this to help wildlife? #Pets #Ireland #InvasiveSpecies50Share
