Hello everyone! My name is Cailyn Haubein and I am a graduate student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at UTK. I'm posting today for Invasive Species Awareness Week. Below, I've compiled some info about invasive species and how they relate to pets. I'm happy to chat with anyone or answer any questions.
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is any organism (plant, animal, bacteria, or fungus) living outside its native range and causing harm to other species or the environment. Human travel and trade have increased the spread of these organisms, both accidentally (e.g., insects transported with food and wood) and intentionally (e.g., plants and animals introduced for gardens or the pet trade).
How pets become invasive:
Many pets escape captivity and establish invasive populations. Examples include goldfish, Burmese pythons, and European starlings. One of the most impactful examples is cats; feral and free-roaming pet cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds annually in the U.S. and significantly contribute to bird decline.
How you can make a difference (pets):
Keep cats indoors and support Trap-Neuter-Return programs to help stabilize feral cat populations. Never release pets into the wild-surrender unwanted animals to shelters to prevent ecological harm. 
How invasives impact pet health:
Invasive plants can reshape ecosystems by forming dense growth that supports pests such as ticks. In Tennessee, species like Bush Honeysuckle, Oriental Bittersweet, and Japanese Barberry create ideal tick habitat, increasing risks of diseases such as Lyme disease for both pets and humans.
How you can make a difference (plants):
Stay aware of invasive plants on your property using state conservation resources. Here is a link for Tennessee: Link. When planting, choose locally sourced native species that support healthy ecosystems and natural pest predators. Native plant guides can help you identify suitable options for your area. Here is a link for the US: Link
References:
American Bird Conservancy
National Invasive Species Information Center
Invasive Plants Harbor Vectors
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Cailyn Haubein
Graduate Student
University of Tennessee Knoxville
TN
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