A New Invasive Species Threat to Our Forests?
Before you grab your live bait to go fishing, you may want to think twice about what you are bringing into the natural environment. Earthworms, especially night crawlers, are making our forests more susceptible to invasive species that destroy the natural ecosystem.
Only one variety of earthworm found in the Carolina’s is native to the United States. Europeans introduced the rest, and in northern Minnesota, worms strip the forest floor bare. They eat through the leaf litter and leave exposed, black mineral soil behind. They also drive out native beetles that aerate the soil.
Now you may ask so what? Earthworms have been apart of our environment as long as people can remember. The challenge is that their territory is growing, leaving our northern forests susceptible to dramatic changes. Most of the invasive plants are pretty much dependent on the worms because worms create the right germination environment. They co-evolved with the worms on their home continent, so it is only natural that they thrive on ours.
To protect our treasured lands, be sure to pack out any live bait you bring in. Never dump your leftover worms on the land or release your live minnows in a lake or river. It may seem like an appropriate act, but it may forever change the places the love to enjoy.