A map of areas where aquatic invasive species are found in the United States,
Invasive species can be any species, including that species eggs, spores, seeds, and several others that are non-native to the entered environment. Invasive species could also spread diseases. These introduced diseases could cause a mass decrease in population. Invasive species can also grow and reproduce very quickly, which can cause harm to other organisms in the environment they enter. The species can overpopulate and use a substantial amount of habitat and food. Because of lack of resources, the native species will then begin to die out.
Invasive species are all over the United States, but some areas might have a larger struggle with them than others. Most invasive species are aquatic, so places that have water will have a higher population of them than places that don't. Places like Florida, Hawaii, the Great lakes, and the west coast all have large populations of invasive species. But invasive species are all over the country. Whether they're in forests, rivers, fields, etc., they're everywhere.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are about 50,000 non-native species around the country. 4,300 of those species are believed to be invasive. About 20%-30% of all introduced species worldwide cause a problem economically. By destroying habitats, they are costing the U.S government millions of dollars. More than $100 million was spent by state agencies in Florida in 2003-2004 to control invasive species. And every year estimated damage and control cost in the U.S alone amount more than $138 billion annually. There are numerous accounts of environmental damages invasive species have caused. Some of these species tend to over-populate and cause an infestation. These infestations can negatively affect property values, agricultural productivity, construction and other public operations, outdoor recreation and more.