Minnesota DNR Warns of 7 Invasive Species Crawling Over the State

Minnesota is known for its 10,000 lakes and its deep-rooted love for the great outdoors. But, as the weather warms up and we head back into our gardens and onto the water, the Minnesota DNR is asking residents to keep a sharp eye out for some unwanted guests.

From worms that move like snakes to beetles that can dismantle a forest canopy, several high-risk invasive species are currently threatening the natural balance of our state. Here are seven of the most dangerous invaders you need to know about before you head outside this weekend.

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1) Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

You know how, when you're out camping, you're almost destined to see a sign that reads "DON'T MOVE FIREWOOD"? Yep, these little monsters are the reason. The Emerald Ash Borer kills nearly 99.9% of Ash trees it comes into contact with, and is still a huge threat to the state's forest canopy.

2) Elm Zigzag Sawfly

This invasive pest is brand new to the state of Minnesota. They leave a very distinct "zigzag" pattern on elm leaves. Perhaps the most bizarre fact of all is that they are all female and reproduce without mates, meaning they spread fast. The scariest part of the sawfly's entry into Minnesota is the sheer devastation it can have on the local Elm Tree population.

While the most effective management practices are still being determined, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is actively monitoring research into insecticides that may be helpful in eliminating (or curbing the spread) of the sawfly.

3) Palmer Amaranth

Often called "Pigweed" or "Carelessweed", Palmer Amaranth is considered highly invasive due to its rapid growth rate (2-3 inches per day) and extreme resistance to herbicides. It can also produce up to 1 million seeds per plant, which makes it very difficult to combat. The good news? It's edible, so eat up, and let's stop the spread of this pesky flora.

4) European Starling

The European Starling is a classic example of an invasive species that "hides in plain sight". They are incredibly aggressive and will actually kick native Minnesota birds (like Bluebirds, Woodpeckers, and Purple Martins) out of their nesting holes. They are also a nightmare for Minnesota farmers, causing millions of dollars in damage to fruit and grain crops every year.

5) Mute Swan

Unlike the native Trumpeter Swan, the Mute Swan has an orange beak and is much more aggressive. They're also much more territorial than other swans and will actively chase off other waterfowl (and even humans) away from what they consider "their territory".

The Minnesota DNR considers the Mute Swan "highly invasive" because it tends to destroy native aquatic vegetation and displace native waterfowl such as the Trumpeter Swan.

6) Zebra Mussels (The Lake Destroyer)

Most people have heard of these little demons; they're a huge priority these days, because they're spreading to even more Minnesota waterways as of the writing of this article.

According to the Minnesota DNR, "they severely disrupt aquatic ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and pose risks to recreational water users. They cause massive ecological damage by filtering out microscopic plankton that native fish and aquatic life depend on for food."

7) Autumn Olive (New Entry)

These are a bigger threat to Minnesota than you might imagine. According to the Minnesota DNR, they are known for outcompeting and shading out native Minnesota plants. They also dramatically change soil levels wherever they are, increasing nitrogen levels, causing mass degradation of local plant communities.

To learn more about these (and other) invasive species in the 'North Star State', check out the Minnesota DNR website.