Submitted
Invasive bullfrogs NOT on the loose in the Columbia Shuswap.
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) has been working to protect the native reptiles and amphibians of the Columbia-Shuswap region by urging pet-owners, Don’t Let It Loose.
In late May, CSISS staff posted signage near water bodies where pet-owners may be tempted to release their unwanted pet bullfrogs into the wild, urging them to re-home the invasive amphibians instead.
The American Bullfrog is among the top 100 worst invasive species in the world. Voracious predators, these bullfrogs will eat anything that fits inside their mouth, including native and endangered frogs and salamanders, songbirds, mice, and snakes. This aggressive behaviour has led to a documented decrease in native frog populations wherever the bullfrogs are introduced.
The American Bullfrog is native to eastern North America, but never would have made it west over the Rocky Mountains and into BC without the help of humans. A popular pet, bullfrogs are often bought as tadpoles, but as they grow to adults and become unmanageable, they are released into the wild where they wreak havoc on natural ecosystems. To combat this issue, CSISS has partnered with the Invasive Species Council of BC and their campaign, Don’t Let It Loose, to encourage pet owners to re-home their pets instead of releasing them into the wild.
The signage CISSS has posted features an Invaders Wanted warning, with an image of the American Bullfrog, identification tips, and a QR code linking to a video featuring their unique call. CSISS hopes that hanging these posters near potential release sites will give a pet-owner one last warning that may stop them from dumping their tank. CSISS is grateful to the Province of BC and CBT for providing funding for this invasive bullfrog outreach and prevention project.
For more information, please contact CSISS at info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org, or 1-855-785-9333
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, management and reduction of invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. CSISS is thankful for the generous support of the Columbia Basin Trust, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
To learn more about invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap region please visit:
http://www.columbiashuswapinvasives.org
Facebook Comments