Reporting invasive terrestrial animal and plants

We are working to keep invasive species out of Minnesota. Reports from citizens of invasive species help us to respond rapidly and control invasives before they spread into new areas. Select from the tabs below to report invasive species you have found.

Reporting instructions

Animals

Check photos and description on the invasive terrestrial invasive animals webpages to help narrow the possibilities for animal identity. Be sure to include notes about site location and description, population size and control actions taken, if any.

Not sure what you have?

1. Take photos or make a collection

  • If you have a digital camera, take photos of the species, site, and the damage being caused.
    • For insects - Collect a sample. You can kill the insect by placing it in a zip lock bag and freezing it. You can then take photos of the insect that can be sent in for identification. Save the specimen in case it is needed to confirm identification. Label with specific location, date, your name.
    • For vertebrate animals (mute swans, Eurasian swine) - Take photos if possible.
    • For earthworms (jumping worms) - Researchers need high resolution, clear photos to identify jumping worms. Rinse off the worm so that it is free of soil. Place the worm on a plain surface such as a piece of paper. Make sure the photos are in focus and have a clear view of the ring around the body (clitellum) in relation to the head as researchers will count the body segments between the head and clitellum.

2. Note your location

  • Note where you found the species (city, street, point on a map).
  • If you took a digital photo at the site, the photo file likely contains the GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) under photo properties.
  • If you have a GPS unit or GPS function on your phone, you could take GPS coordinates.
  • If you report the species using EDDMapS.org, you will be able to place a digital pin on a map and that will generate the GPS points for you. If you have the GPS points, you can enter them with your report and it will map the point for you.

3. Identification

4. Report It

Plants

Check photos and descriptions on the invasive terrestrial plant species webpages to help narrow the possibilities for plant identity. Be sure to include notes about site location and description, population size and control actions taken, if any.

Not sure what you have?

1. Take photos

  • If you have a digital camera, take photos of the plant and site. Include close-up photos of the leaves, how the leaves attach to the stem, and any flowers, fruits, or seeds that might be present.

Be aware that some invasive and native plants have thorns, caustic sap, or are poisonous. If you touch an unknown plant, wear gloves and avoid any contact with your skin to keep yourself safe.

2. Take photos or make a collection

  • If you have a digital camera, take photos of the plants. Include close-ups of the leaves, their attachment to the stem, and any flowering structures that might be present.

2. Note your location

  • Note where you found the species (city, street, point on a map).
  • If you took a digital photo at the site, the photo file likely contains the GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) under photo properties.
  • If you have a GPS unit or GPS function on your phone, you could take GPS coordinates.
  • If you report the species using EDDMapS.org, you will be able to place a digital pin on a map and that will generate the GPS points for you. If you have the GPS points, you can enter them with your report and it will map the point for you.

3. Identification

4. Report it

  • All non-native plant species can be reported through EDDMapS.org or the associated EDDMapS app for your smartphone. This site has distribution maps of non-native plant species in Minnesota. You create an account, upload the location of species, and upload photos and other information. When your report is verified, your report is then publicly accessible.
  • Noxious weeds can be reported through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture "Report a Pest" program at 651-201-6684 (metro), 1-888-545-6684 (toll free) or [email protected].
  • For enforcement of the Noxious Weed Law (Minnesota Department of Agriculture), contact the County Agricultural Inspector for your county.
  • If the species is not a noxious weed, but you are interested in sharing its location, we encourage you to report EDDMapS.org or the associated EDDMapS app for your smartphone.

Resources:

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