Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left an unexpected legacy in Georgia—an influx of invasive species. A new U.S. Geological Survey map highlights the spread of non-native species, creating fresh challenges for local wildlife and ecosystems.
The Unseen Aftermath of a Hurricane
Hurricanes aren’t just about the wind and rain. For Georgia, 2024’s storms brought an entirely different kind of chaos—a flood of invasive species. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), over 220 species could spread into the state due to the flooding from Hurricane Helene. And while some may look harmless or even pretty, the impact of these creatures and plants could be disastrous for Georgia’s environment.
Mike Worley, president of the Georgia Wildlife Federation, explained the dangers of these newcomers. “These species evolve in their native habitats with their own set of predators,” Worley said. “When they move into a new area without natural predators, they can take over, disrupting local ecosystems.”
The threat is not just hypothetical. Invasive species have the power to decimate native populations and alter Georgia’s landscape. The worst part? Many of them arrived here unintentionally, hitching a ride on floodwaters or shipments of plants and goods.
A Diverse Invasion: The Plants and Animals in the Spotlight
The USGS map tracks invasive species ranging from algae and plants to fish, reptiles, and even crustaceans. For example, the Cuban treefrog, a creature that’s native to Cuba, is a well-known invader. Once introduced into Florida, it spread to Georgia, often hidden in shipments of plants or building materials.
Despite its unassuming appearance, the Cuban treefrog isn’t something to welcome. It competes with and preys on native treefrogs, bringing along diseases and parasites that can affect both wildlife and humans. Even more troubling, the frog’s skin secretes a chemical that irritates skin and eyes, and it’s been blamed for power outages when it comes into contact with electrical systems. The map reveals that this frog’s range could extend into parts of North and South Georgia, including areas like metro Atlanta, Augusta, and Waycross.
Interestingly, the spread of the Cuban treefrog isn’t a unique story. Many invasive species, including fish and reptiles, arrived in the region through human activity, often unintentionally. Floodwaters from hurricanes give these creatures a free ride, spreading them to new areas with no checks on their growth.
Trouble in the Water: Alligator Weed
It’s not just critters that are causing concern. Plants like the alligator weed are also making their way across Georgia. This aquatic plant, native to South America, can float in thick mats of water due to its hollow stems. It has spread throughout the southeastern U.S. after being transported via ship ballast water.
The alligator weed might look like just another aquatic plant, but it’s a big problem. In water bodies, it chokes waterways, impedes the flow of water, and decreases water quality. This, in turn, harms other species that rely on the water for food. Farmers and boaters are not immune to its reach either. The weed clogs irrigation channels and can obstruct navigation in rivers and lakes.
Even worse, alligator weed serves as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, further increasing the health risks to humans. And as it spreads, it’s disrupting the delicate balance of Georgia’s waterways, further complicating the task of keeping invasive species at bay.
How Serious is the Threat?
The spread of these invasive species poses a serious long-term risk to Georgia’s biodiversity. Many of these plants and animals have no natural predators in the state, which means their populations can grow unchecked. This unchecked growth often leads to the collapse of local ecosystems as native species are outcompeted for food and resources.
Mike Worley warns that the impact of invasive species extends beyond the environment. “If you live in Georgia because you like Georgia, then invasives are a problem because they can fundamentally change it,” he said. “They can change the very essence of what we are.”
What Can Be Done?
While it’s impossible to reverse the clock and stop these species from arriving, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate their impact. Local wildlife organizations are working to track the spread of these species and remove them from areas where they threaten native plants and animals. However, the fight against invasive species requires ongoing effort and vigilance.
By raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts, Georgians can help protect their state’s natural heritage from the damaging effects of invasive species.
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