How are invasive species spread?

Invasive species are among the leading threats to native wildlife. Learn about how they spread and how they threaten native wildlife in the United States. read more

How Invasive Species Spread Invasive species are primarily spread by human activities, often unintentionally. People, and the goods we use, travel around the world very quickly, and they often carry uninvited species with them. read more

The National Invasive Species Act, passed in 1996, established a comprehensive framework to research, regulate, and combat the spread of aquatic nuisance species, in particular the zebra mussel. In 1999, President Clinton signed an executive order creating the Invasive Species Council to oversee all efforts nationally. read more

Asian carp introduced into the United States outcompete native fish for both food and space, leading to large declines in native fish populations. 21 Invasive species are the second largest cause of species extinctions in the United States. 22. Invasive species can also impact human health. read more