7 Serious Environmental Problems Cause by Animals

While we commonly hear how we humans have caused countless species of animals to face becoming endangered, there are some cases where animals have caused problems. Below are a few cases where animals, in their own little way, caused danger to humans and the environment.

Deer Mice

Logging often results to forest fragmentation or when small areas of trees and forest are left behind. Other than wildlife habitat loss, forest fragmentation is also known to result in the rise of the population of deer mice that possibly carry ticks. This causes cases of Lyme disease, which is carried by the ticks, to rise. What makes it worse is that since there are less key predators like hawks and weasels, it’s easier for deer mice breed.

Goose

These large birds are often used as a symbol of North America’s wilderness. However, because these birds are so numerous, their droppings have become a concern especially in water contamination. A single goose is able to produce a pound of waste a day. Disease like swimmer’s itch as well as organisms causing E. coli and chlamydia may be transmitted to humans through contaminated water.

Barred Owl

You’d probably never consider owls as invasive species. However, North America is facing a barred owl invasion that’s causing problems with the natural biodiversity of the area. These owls originally come from the American Southeast, but have extended their range to the north and west sides of the continent. Their presence has caused pressure on the area’s native species as they struggle to survive.

African Giant Snail

Although snails move pretty slow, these ones took over the place fast. The state of Florida experiences a snail problem as these eight inch snails that originated from Africa. These snails are said to have been released by pet owners and are breeding like rabbits. They’re capable of eating a number of local plant species and are invading homes and parks. Some of these snails can even eat through drywall.

American Bullfrog

The most aggressive and biggest frog native to North America, the American bullfrog is responsible for native wildlife losses because of their introduction to new areas, specifically in the western side of North America. The American bullfrog preys on crayfish, fish, lizards, salamanders, snakes birds, as well as other frogs.

Snow Goose

Since the 1970’s, these birds have started to breed excessively and have started to affect the feeding grounds of other animals in the Canada and United States. Large areas of destroyed roots and bare mud are left by these geese as they make their way to their breeding grounds. This affects the habitat and food supply of other birds, rodents, and foxes that live in the area.

Asian Carp

A massive amount of Asian carps were introduced to lakes in the American during the 60’s and 70’s which is not affecting the population of the animals that naturally live there. Like how the introduction of foreign animals to a habitat negatively affects it, the carps have displaces a number of native species, causing habitat disturbance.