‘Hitchhiking’ invasive critter crept into Oregon on plant. It might harm other species
Notice something small, slimy and probably camouflaged on store-bought tropical plants? It could be an invasive species, Oregon wildlife officials said.
A Cuban treefrog was found “hitchhiking” to the state on a plant and wound up in a store that sells tropical plants in the Beaverton area Monday, Feb. 27, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a Feb. 28 release.
The tree frogs are non-native, and officials aren’t sure whether they’ll survive Oregon’s cold winters, the release said. But it’s possible they could survive in warmer temperatures during late spring and even early fall.
“This particular species of treefrog is a threat to native frogs and other amphibians in Oregon,” said Rick Boatner, the department’s invasive species supervisor. “In places where Cuban treefrogs have become established, such as in Florida, they can quickly reproduce and out-compete native frog species for food or space.”
The frogs prey on frogs, tadpoles, small lizards and snakes, officials said.
“They also secrete a mucus that may irritate your eyes and nose and cause allergy-like symptoms or possibly trigger an asthma attack,” Boatner said.
It’s the second time a non-native tree frog got into Oregon through a supply chain, the release said. The first time was similar, with the Cuban treefrogs showing up in nursery plants. That incident was “quickly reported to ODFW,” which is what the department asks of anyone who spots one of the invasive critters in the state.
The department warned against releasing any found animals into the wild, and instead check with the department to identify the species. Insects or snails can be reported to the Oregon Invasive Species hotline at 1-866-INVADER or at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org.
This story was originally published February 28, 2023 at 6:59 PM with the headline "‘Hitchhiking’ invasive critter crept into Oregon on plant. It might harm other species."
