From sneezing pigs to 'murder hornets' to backyard invaders—here are the top 5 things you need to know about invasive species right now.
- The "murder hornet" crisis is officially over—the first nest was eradicated in 2020, and there have been zero confirmed sightings in the U.S. since 2021. However, experts warn the Asian giant hornet could reappear if shipping regulations aren't tightened.
- Feral hogs are now a $2.5 billion annual problem in the U.S.—they destroy crops, spread disease, and have been spotted in at least 35 states. Some states have dropped hunting limits in a desperate attempt to cull the population.
- The spotted lanternfly is marching toward the Midwest, with new colonies confirmed in Indiana and Illinois. This sap-sucking pest ruins vineyards and fruit trees, costing the wine industry millions in potential losses.
- Snakehead fish, known as "fishzilla," can breathe air and walk on land for short distances. They've invaded 14 states, outcompeting native species and eating everything from frogs to small ducks.
- Climate change is turbocharging invasions—warmer winters allow pests like the emerald ash borer and Asian carp to survive farther north, reshaping entire ecosystems at an alarming pace.