3 Invasive Wildlife Species Found In California

California is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, varying wildly in various regions of the state. While a majority of these creatures are naturally found in California, there are also many that are invasive species. Continue reading to learn more about three invasive wildlife species found in California and visit invasivewildife.com for more details.

Southern Watersnake

The southern watersnake is a large, thick snake that primarily resides in water or other wet environments. There are three subspecies of this aquatic snake species, and the Florida subspecies is suspected to be the main one found in California. It is important to note immediately that these snakes are not venomous whatsoever. With that being said, they will strike if they feel cornered or threatened by humans.

Identifying the southern watersnake can be tricky. Each southern watersnake has bands that go down their whole body, and there are a variety of different colored bands. These reptiles can be gray, red, black, or brown-yellow, and their bands can be a variety of colors as well. There is a strip of dark-colored skin that goes from the sides of their mouths to their eyes. If you still cannot positively identify this snake, be sure to be cautious and stay away, as it could be a different, venomous snake. If you find snakes on your property, it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible as they may be venomous. You can opt for DIY methods like using snake repellents or traps. However, the best option is to hire a professional wildlife removal company like Norcal Wildlife Removal to get rid of snakes.

Nutria

Commonly found throughout the southeastern United States, nutria have made a name for themselves with the damage they are capable of causing. While they have not expanded through all of California, they are very prevalent in the areas in which they are located. These critters resemble beavers, but they usually are smaller, and they do not have the flat tail like beavers do. Some of the worst damage they cause involves burrowing into levees, causing them to weaken and potentially let water through. In addition, these animals have a voracious appetite, and they will destroy vegetation in huge quantities every day. Finally, these critters spread many different diseases, some of them potentially fatal for humans.

If you or anyone you know comes into contact with nutria, it is highly encouraged that you let the California Department of Fish and Wildlife know, as these critters need to be dealt with by authorities. One of the best ways to identify a nutria is to look at their faces. Between their stark-white mouth hair and long whiskers, and their orange-yellow teeth, it is very easy to instantly identify these animals.

Brown-Headed Cowbird

The brown-headed cowbird is one of a couple of invasive bird species that have made their way into California. These cowbirds are similar to blackbirds, however they have a noticeably smaller body size and a really thick head. The brown-headed cowbird possesses a wingspan of around a foot, and they are easily picked out by their appearance. The unique thing about cowbirds is the way in which they reproduce and expand their range.

Cowbirds are a member of the “brood parasite” category. This is where a mother bird lays her eggs in the nests of different species of birds. Once the eggs are there, these other species are supposed to raise the young cowbirds as if they were their own eggs. While this might be interesting, it is also devastating to native bird populations. The female brown-headed cowbird usually takes the host eggs out of the nest and lays a few of her own in the host nest. This has led to two of California’s most beautiful birds being placed on the endangered species list.

Conclusion

While a diverse smattering of wildlife might sound exciting, it often causes many problems for the native plant and wildlife species. Between increased competition for food and territory and an increase in diseases, invasive wildlife species spell bad news for California.

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