The least-wanted list: Invasive animals

The Washington State Invasive Species Council has identified 50 non-native species of concern. They include plants and animals ranging from mere nuisances to destroyers of habitat and threats to other species. We'll focus on critters here.

Click here to see a photo gallery of the invasive species of top concern and other non-native species that have moved into the state.

What to do if you spot one

• Contact the Invasive Species Council hotline at 1-877-9-INFEST or invasivespecies@rco.wa.gov. Or make an online report at www.invasivespecies.wa.gov/report.shtml.
• Sending pictures of an animal, with a scale in the photo, will help experts identify it.
• The state Department of Fish and Wildlife's Allen Pleus, who specializes in aquatic species, can be reached at allen.pleus@dfw.wa.gov.

Learn more

• Washington Invasive Species Education (from the Washington State Invasive Species Council): www.wise.wa.gov
• Washington State Invasive Species Council: www.invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorities.shtml
• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife: wdfw.wa.gov/ais/species.html
• King County Web page on invasive plants and animals: www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/biodiversity/threats/Invasives.aspx
SOURCES: Washington State Invasive Species Council, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington State University Extension