Invasive Species

European Starlings are known for their love of mimicking sounds they hear like parrots do. European Starlings came to New York in the early 1890s; they were brought by Shakespeare enthusiasts that were living in the continent of North America. European Starlings aren’t really rare as they’re usually in groups. There are multiple names for the groups of European Starlings in which they’re called a filth, constellations, scourge or murmuration which are kind of really the best names for these guys except for the constellation one. These little guys will eat almost anything as that’s why they’re seen as pests, as they damage crops. They do help to make nests for their other neighbors which is really kind in the animal kingdom. They also send warnings for upcoming events like other birds do.

The Eastern cottontail rabbit, also known as Sylvilagus floridanus, is an invasive species most commonly found in very open dry lands. Did you know they sometimes pee blue?

The Roof Rat, also known as the Black Rat, is an invasive rodent species introduced to British Columbia via shipping and trade. It is primarily found in coastal regions, ports, and urban areas, including Vancouver, Victoria, and nearby islands. This species competes with native small mammals and birds and can transmit diseases to humans, pets, and wildlife, making it a significant urban and ecological pest.

The Norway Rat, also called the Brown Rat, is an invasive rodent species widely established throughout urban, suburban, and agricultural areas of British Columbia, including Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and surrounding regions. Introduced via shipping and trade, it has become a pervasive pest, outcompeting some native small mammals and posing serious public health concerns.

The European Rabbit is an invasive species introduced to British Columbia for fur, hunting, and as pets, now established in southern BC, particularly in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and southern interior valleys. It is highly adaptable and has significant ecological impacts, including overgrazing native vegetation, competing with native small mammals, and altering habitats.

The Eastern Fox Squirrel is an invasive tree squirrel introduced to southern British Columbia, particularly in the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver area, often through intentional release or escape from captivity. It competes with native squirrels, including the Douglas Squirrel and Western Gray Squirrel, for food and nesting sites, and can alter local urban and park ecosystems.

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is an invasive tree squirrel introduced to southern British Columbia, particularly in the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver area, primarily through intentional release or escape from captivity. It competes directly with native squirrels, including the Douglas Squirrel and Western Gray Squirrel, for food and nesting sites, and has been linked to displacement of native species in urban and suburban areas.

The Virginia Opossum is a non-native, invasive marsupial recently expanding into southern British Columbia, particularly in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island. Likely introduced through human-mediated relocation or natural range expansion from the U.S., it has begun establishing small urban and suburban populations. Its presence raises concerns for native wildlife, pets, and ecological balance, as it competes with native mammals and can spread disease.

Feral Swine, also known as wild pigs or Eurasian wild boar, are an invasive species with occasional sightings in southern British Columbia, primarily near the Lower Mainland and southern interior valleys. They are descendants of escaped domestic pigs and introduced wild boar from the United States. Feral swine are highly adaptable and pose serious ecological, agricultural, and public safety concerns due to their feeding and rooting behavior.

Fallow Deer are an introduced ungulate species in British Columbia, primarily found in southern coastal regions and parts of Vancouver Island, where they were originally released for game hunting and ornamental purposes. They are considered non-native and potentially invasive, as they can compete with native deer and other herbivores for food and habitat.

Nutria, also known as coypu, are a large invasive semi-aquatic rodent introduced to British Columbia for fur farming. Small populations have been reported in southern coastal regions and wetlands, though they are not widely established. Nutria are considered highly destructive invasive species due to their burrowing and feeding habits, which can significantly alter wetland ecosystems and threaten native plants and wildlife.