'Put them on the menu': Americans should eat more of these invasive animals, officials say
'Put them on the menu': Americans should eat more of these invasive animals, officials say
What do iguanas, rodents, fish and wild boars have in common? They're on a list of invasive species that federal officials are encouraging people to eat in an effort to limit damage to ecosystems.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the list on Feb. 20 for National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 24 to Feb. 28.
'Invasive species outcompete native wildlife, destroy habitats, and mess up ecosystems,' the agency wrote. 'But rather than just complaining about them, let's put them on the menu.'
According to the agency, invasive species can damage the ecosystems they become part of, and eating them is just one way to protect native wildlife.
'It's not a complete solution and should be combined with other conservation efforts to effectively control these species,' the wildlife service said, calling the species 'downright delicious.'
Find out which species made the list below.
Nutria known for 'devouring marshlands'
Nutria, a native species to South America, are invasive to the Gulf of America coast (formerly the Gulf of Mexico), the Atlantic coast and the Pacific Northwest, according to the wildlife service.
They are oversized, wetland-loving rodents that initially were brought to the U.S. as part of the fur trade, the agency said.
'Now they're devouring marshlands,' the wildlife service said.
The agency said those who want to eat nutria can try gumbo recipes.
'Their meat is lean, mild, and tastes like rabbit,' it said.
Northern snakeheads 'compete with native species for food' and habitats
Next on the service's list of invasive species for people to chow down on is the northern snakehead fish, or channa argus.
The fish can breathe air and can live outside water for several days, the wildlife agency said. They are native to East Asia but have become invasive in Mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S. waterways.
Snakehead fish 'compete with native species for food' and habitats, and there is concern that they may outcompete or displace important native species or other predatory fish, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The northern snakehead fish can be fried, grilled or turned into tacos, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.
'They're delicious with a firm, white, and flaky meat,' the agency said.
Invasive carp 'are clogging U.S. waterways,' officials say
Invasive carp, which includes bighead, silver, black carp and grass carp, are native to East Asia. They've been found in multiple Midwest and Southeast rivers and lakes, the wildlife service said.
'These high-jumping fish are clogging U.S. waterways and outcompeting native species,' the agency said, adding that they're 'surprisingly tasty' and are delicious when grilled, blackened, or made into 'crispy fish cakes.'
Green iguana
Next up is the green iguana, native to Central and South America. The species is invasive in Florida and other warm states, where they eat Florida's native plants and destabilize seawalls.
'The solution? Iguana stew,' the wildlife service said. 'Their meat is often called 'chicken of the trees' for its mild flavor.'
Wild boar: A 'full-blown ecological disaster'
Lastly, there's the feral hog or wild boar, known scientifically as sus scrofa.
Wild boars are native to Europe and Asia but have become invasive in the southeastern U.S., Texas, California and other areas, the wildlife service said.
'They aren't just invasive, they're a full-blown ecological disaster,' it said. 'Rooting, trampling, and devouring everything in their path, these piggies are tearing up farmland, forests, and wetlands across the country.'
The agency said wild boar account for 'some of the best-tasting invasive meat you can get.'
Their meat is leaner and more rich in flavor than pork sold in stores, the service said. Their meat can be turned into smoked barbecue, chili, burgers, tacos or wild boar ragu over pasta.
'Feral hog hunting is encouraged in many states, so you're not just getting a great meal, you're doing conservation work with every bite.'
The agency said it's important for people to check local regulations and restrictions first, however.
'Then, get cooking and help control these invasive species one bite at a time."
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
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