Problematic Native Species

Problematic native species are any  native plants, animals, insects, and other organisms that can exhibit negative invasive characteristics due to environmental changes or human activity, causing or presenting the risk of causing harm to the environment, economy, or human well-being.

These species may or may not exhibit aggressive, invasive-like characteristics depending on the habitat they are found in; each situation varies and is dependent on living and/or once-living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, fungi, animals, and bacteria, and non-living, physical, and chemical components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, water, air, and soil. Removal and control of these species may be needed. Additional research and education are encouraged to determine appropriate next steps for each individual situation.