Florida’s warm climate and diverse habitats make it especially vulnerable to invasive species. Over the years, a number of non-native animals have been introduced to the state, some intentionally and others accidentally. In several cases, former pets released into the wild have established breeding populations, allowing these species to spread rapidly through sensitive environments like the Everglades.
Once established, non-native animals can disrupt local ecosystems by competing with native wildlife for food and space, preying on species that lack natural defenses, and altering the balance of the environment. These changes can have lasting effects on Florida’s wetlands, forests, and waterways.
In this video, we explore how invasive animals arrived in Florida, which species are having the biggest impact, and why managing non-native populations has become such a challenge for conservationists.
