Foreign fish, plants do more harm than good in Midwest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes might be the first things to pop in your head in when you hear the word “pest.” But Department of Natural Resource (DNR) officials and Purdue ecologists say Tippecanoe County - and other Midwest regions - could soon have a big problem with pesky plants and fish.

Asian carp and the kudzu plant were introduced to the United States in order to help local ecosystems, but they have overstayed their welcome and now create problems.

Purdue Aquatic Ecologist Reuben Goforth says the Asian carp are disruptive to native fish species as they fight for the same resources, and have even caused injury to humans as they jump out of the water when easily startled by passing boats.

As for kudzu, the killer plant is very common in southern states like Georgia and Alabama, but Purdue extension forester Lenny Farlee says the plant has been found as far north as Lake Michigan.

Goforth says Asian carp are edible unlike the common carp and are commonly fished with crossbows.

Both Goforth and Farlee say if you spot any of these invasive species to contact the Department of Natural Resources.