FILE – Assistant Professor of Strawberry and Small Fruit Crops Entomology at University of Florida Sriyanka Lahiri explains that strawberry growers in Florida have been battling an invasive pest since 2015. If the insect isn’t managed properly almost 80% of a crop can be lost. UF scientists have been studying different ways to protect strawberry crops.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants you to control the invasive species in your area. What is a good hunt without eating the prize? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is promoting these five invasive species to cook up on the grill.
An invasive species is an introduced non-native organism that begins to spread or expand its range from an original introduction and can potentially harm the environment, economy or human health. Invasive species outcompete native wildlife, destroy habitats and mess up ecosystems.
First on the list is the Nutria, an oversized wetland-loving rodent. These creatures were first brought to the U.S. via Elizabeth Lake, California, in 1899 for fur trade but began escaping over time. Their nonstop munching and burrowing destroy plants that keep marshes stable, inevitably leading to the loss of habitat for others.
The meat of a Nutria is lean and mild and tastes like rabbit – a good recipe for gumbo.
17 October 2024, Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck: 17.10.2024, Luebeck. A nutria (Myocastor coypus) stands in the Schellbruch nature reserve in Luebeck on the lower Trave on a meadow next to an embankment. The animals originate from South America and are considered an invasive species. The rodents, which were deliberately introduced and also released into the wild in the past because of their fur, are now found throughout Germany and may be hunted almost everywhere. Nutria meat is considered very tasty. Photo: Wolfram Steinberg/dpa Photo: Wolfram Steinberg/dpa (Photo by Wolfram Steinberg/picture alliance via Getty Images)
(Photo by Wolfram Steinberg/picture alliance / Getty Images)
Another invasive species you can eat is the Northern Snakehead, a sharp-toothed species that can live outside the water for several days. That kind of ability allows them to wiggle into other freshwater habitats.
Snakeheads lie and wait at the bottom of shallow, slow-moving water before striking like a torpedo at its prey.
Despite their odd appearance, these creatures offer delicious firm, white and flaky meat. They can be grilled or fried into a tasty fish taco – if you’re brave enough to try it.
These cold-blooded invaders are eating Florida’s native plants and destabilizing seawalls. The solution? Iguana stew. Their meat is often called “chicken of the trees” for its mild flavor.
(Ryan Hagerty/USFWS)
The Green Iguana is the third tasty invasive species on the list, as these cold-blooded creatures plunder Florida’s native plants and destabilize seawalls. These animals often burrow along or under seawalls or sidewalks, which causes them to collapse.
Their meat is often referred to as the chicken of the trees for its mild flavor. You can try roasting or grilling these creatures for a tasty meal.
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 04: An iguana populates the Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands on January 4, 2024 in Boynton Beach, Florida, United States. The warm climate of Florida provides a welcome habitant for animals of many species.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
Next on the list, we have the invasive Carp, a family of fish native to Europe and Asia. Common carp have been in the U.S. for over 100 years.
The four kinds of invasive carp were imported into the states for use in aquaculture ponds. An aquaculture pond is a body of water in which aquatic animals are raised for food.
Through flooding andaccidental release, the black, silver, bighead and grass carp have found their way into the Mississippi River system. This is like a giant freshwater highway for these carp to access many of the country’s rivers and streams.
These surprisingly tasty fish can be grilled, blackened or turned into crispy fish cakes.
Three species of invasive carp (from top: bighead carp, silver carp, and grass carp) captured on the Missouri River floodplain.
(Colby Wrasse)
Lastly, we have one of the more obvious invasive species, the feral hogs or wild boars.
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Much like the invasive carp, the hogs and boars hailed from Europe and Asia. These big creatures tear up forests, farmlands and wetlands across the country. The feral animals can also transmit diseases to others on farmlands, which can result in financial loss to farmers.
24 January 2025, Brandenburg, Groß Schönebeck: Wild boars, photographed in an enclosure in the Schorfheide Wildlife Park.
(Photo by Patrick Pleul/picture alliance / Getty Images)
Surprisingly, wild boar is some of the best-tasting invasive meat you can get. They are also some of the most popular invasive species to hunt. Feral hog hunting is encouraged in many states, so you’re not just getting a good meal, you’re doing your duty as a conservationist.
The animal has a leaner and richer flavor than store-bought pork. Wild boars can be cooked in everything from smoked barbecue chili to burgers, tacos and even pasta. Grind it for burger meat, braise it for tacos, or go above and beyond and create a wild boar ragu over your pasta.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages you to get out there and “Save a Swamp and Sauté a Nutria” for your community.