Wildlife

Invasive species: they’re everywhere. And you could be inadvertently spreading them while you’re outside having fun, working around the yard, or even doing your holiday shopping.

While attending the recent Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference, I was struck at some of the strange ways invasive species get spread. Oftentimes, we have only our bad choices to blame – introducing new infestations and causing damage to native ecosystems, agriculture and human health in the process.

Some reasons invasive species spread are hopefully relegated to the past. But others are still spreading due to our decisions. Making slight alterations in behavior, you can make a huge difference for conservation.

Here are 10 of the unusual ways invasives can be spread. There are many more – leave your own additions in the comments.