The Invasion is Coming!

It’s almost Halloween, so you might be expecting zombies to invade at any moment. But the real threat is from exotic wildlife that could be headed your way! These foreign creatures often carry disease and disrupt native plant and animal communities, and we need your help to stop them.

The invasion of exotic wildlife poses a serious threat to local ecosystems that are ill-equipped to fend off foreign species that can kill native wildlife and carry disease. Now the problem is growing more acute with the pervasiveness of the deadly chytrid fungus that is decimating amphibian species across the world.

This red-eyed tree frog could be the next victim of the deadly chytrid disease plaguing amphibian species across the Americas. International trade of certain species is already being regulated under CITES to slow the spread of disease.

From Panama to California, this mysterious disease is eliminating salamanders and frogs in many of their most important habitats. Like other invasive species and exotic diseases, the fungus is often spread by the transport of plants and animals from far-away places. Poor screening has allowed these invaders to cross our borders with ease. It’s time to beef up security by implementing better screening practices and restricting the importation of exotic species that are known carriers of disease. The health of our native plants and animals depends on it!

Watch the short video above to learn more about the threat of foreign invaders like pet pythons, Gambian rats, Asian carp, and European starlings, then read below what you can do to stop the spread of exotic diseases like the chytrid fungus.

Take action to stop the spread of exotic disease

Right now the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is seeking input on a petition to stop the spread of this amphibian disease, and they need to hear from you! The petition puts forth a rule requiring all live amphibian species and their eggs to be screened for disease. Only those certified as chytrid-free would be allowed to enter the country or cross state lines.

Help protect America’s native wildlife from these foreign invaders by urging USFWS to screen amphibians imported into the United States. You can submit your comments by visiting http://www/regulations.gov and entering Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2009-0093. This information period will close on December 16, 2010.