AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine conservation officials are asking residents in the state to take a few steps to cut down the spread of invasive species.
The Pine Tree State’s effort is taking place during National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the state suffers from non-native species such as the emerald ash borer and green crab that have a negative impact on natural resources.
The department is asking residents to take steps such as clipping the webs of browntail moth caterpillars before they get active. The caterpillars can cause a painful rash in humans.
Residents should also avoid releasing aquarium fish and plants, live bait or other exotic animals into the wild, the state said. Another helpful step is to learn how to identify invasive plants that might be growing on private property and take steps to control them.
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