They Don't Belong: Tracking Invasive Species

On the tropical island of Guam, there's a serious problem. It's long and brown and is slithering everywhere--including inside people's houses! The brown tree snake first arrived in Guam in the 1940s after hitching a ride on a ship sailing from the South Pacific. It found a new island home that was warm, had lots of food, and was free of predators. The snake multiplied quickly--and now millions roam Guam, devouring every small animal in their path and causing major environmental problems. In Guam's Brown Tree Snakes: Hanging Out, students will learn all about these animal invaders. The fascinating account describes how brown tree snakes first arrived in Guam, how they spread throughout the island, how they are affecting native wildlife and people, and what scientists are doing to control their population and stop them from spreading to other places. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the dramatic details. Written in narrative format, this series is sure to keep young readers engaged.

At one time, there were no red imported fire ants in the United States. In the 1930s, the insects got into the country by accident. The ants soon spread rapidly all over the South. Today, the aggressive fire ants roam fields and lawns, looking for food and biting and stinging any animal or person who disturbs them. In Red Imported Fire Ants: Attacking Everything, students will learn all about these dangerous insects. The fascinating details describe how the fire ants attack and kill small animals for food, how they destroy millions of dollars worth of crops every year, and how they've even caused car accidents by destroying traffic lights! Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the dramatic details. Written in narrative format, this series is sure to keep young readers engaged.

Before 1935, there were no cane toads in Australia. Today, they are a huge presence in the country. In fact, scientists estimate that there are 83 toads for every person there! The big amphibians--which can weigh close to three pounds--show up on highways, in watering holes meant for cattle, and in people's yards in town. Because they ooze a powerful poison when attacked, they kill many wild animals as well as pets each year. In Australia's Cane Toads: Overrun, students will learn all about these troublesome creatures. The fascinating account describes why and how the toads were first brought to Australia, how they spread far and wide, and what scientists and everyday people are doing to try to control their population today. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the dramatic details. Written in narrative format, this series is sure to keep young readers engaged.

Huge holes cover a cornfield. The corn plants in the field have been dug up and trampled, and much of the corn is half eaten. What caused this terrible damage? The answer is big, hairy, and running wild. Throughout the South and in much of the United States, feral pigs, many of which were once farm animals, are destroying crops, ruining property, and polluting streams and rivers with their waste. In Feral Pigs: Chomp, Chomp!, students will learn all about these animal invaders. The fascinating account describes how feral pigs spread all over the country, how they dig up and destroy more than a billion dollars worth of property each year, and what's being done to control their numbers. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the dramatic details. Written in narrative format, this series is sure to keep young readers engaged.

In 2011, scientists studying mammals in southern Florida announced a shocking discovery. In just a few years, the number of bobcats, raccoons, opossums, and other animals in the area had dropped sharply. The scientists soon figured out what was causing the mammals to disappear--Burmese pythons. Since their arrival from Asia in the 1990s, the deadly snakes were wreaking havoc on the wildlife in the Everglades. The giant reptiles, some more than 20 feet in length and weighing more than 200 pounds, are able to kill and swallow creatures as large as deer and alligators! In Florida's Burmese Pythons: Squeezing the Everglades, students will learn all about these dangerous snakes. The fascinating account describes how Burmese pythons first arrived in Florida from Asia as pets, how they may have made their way into the wild, and how expert snake hunters are helping scientists control their population today. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the dramatic details. Written in narrative format, this series is sure to keep young readers engaged.