Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
Anyone with knowledge of intentional stockings of Alabama or Spotted Bass should contact Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) law enforcement at 800-237-5712 or WildCrime@dwr.virginia.gov. Anglers who suspect they have captured an Alabama Bass should take a picture of the fish, clip off a thumbnail-sized portion of one of the pelvic fins, and store the fin clip dry in an envelope. The pelvic fins are located on the bottom of the fish, just under the head. They should then either contact the DWR at fisheries@dwr.virginia.gov or call 804-367-1293.
If you see or have evidence of feral hogs, please report it to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)/USDA Wildlife Services through the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has established a snakehead hotline that anglers can use to report snakehead fish 804-367-2925. Anglers are required to report snakeheads kept but are not required to kill them if caught and immediately released. If an angler wishes to keep a legally caught northern snakehead, the fish must be killed to be in possession, and the angler must call the hotline or other DWR contact and report the angler’s last name, date of catch, location of catch, and size. DWR does encourage harvest of snakehead.
Report any nutria you see to Virginia Tech Conservation Management Institute. If possible, try to get a photograph of the animal before sending in the report.
The Red-eared slider is a non-native, naturalized turtle species. It may not be taken or possessed in any number for private use as of July 1, 2021. Those in legal possession should have registered their animals with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources by January 1, 2022.
See profile at United States Geological Survey (USGS): Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) - Species Profile
If you believe you have seen or found a zebra mussel, please contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources immediately at 804-367-6913.
Not all invasive species are the same. Early detection and reporting to the appropriate organization are important to controlling the spread. Reporting requirements depend on the specific species, their establishment, distribution, and impacts within Virginia.
| Description | More Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| EDDMapS is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species and pest distribution. | About EDDMapS - EDDMapS | Bugwood Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health - University of Georgia |
| Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) program finds new populations of certain invasive species as they are starting to invade an area and then eradicates them before they cause serious ecological harm in county parks. | Early Detection and Rapid Response | Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov 703-324-8702 | TTY 711 |
| Master Gardeners - trained and knowledgeable help desk staff provide information and assistance to appropriately report invasive species. | Virginia Cooperative Extension Fairfax Master Gardeners Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners | Park Authority |
Virginia Cooperative Extension | Neighborhood and Community Services |
| Watch the Green Grow. Use our Watch the Green Grow mapping application to record environmentally friendly practices in your yard. Upload pictures to show your progress. Each positive report triggers a green spot on a county map. | Watch the Green Grow | Park Authority | Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov 703-324-8702 | TTY 711 |
| Contact Urban Forest Management if you spot invasive trees, insects or diseases | Forest Pests - Insects and Diseases | Public Works and Environmental Services | Urban Forester of the Day: treemail@fairfaxcounty.gov 703-324-1770 | TTY 711 |
| If you see invasive plants interfering with storm drains, contact Maintenance and Stormwater Management | Maintenance and Inspections | Public Works and Environmental Services | Contact Maintenance and Stormwater Management |
| If you see invasive plants on site of a stream restoration project, contact Stormwater Planning | Stormwater Improvement Projects | Public Works and Environmental Services ) | swpdmail@fairfaxcounty.gov 703-324-5500 | TTY 711 |
| Trapa bispinosa | Trapa bispinosa Early Detection and Eradication Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District |
USGS - Sighting Reporting Form |
| Crowd-sourcing apps can be used to report sightings track invasive species. | iNaturalist |
| Species | More Information | Contact / Report Sighting |
|---|---|---|
|
Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Forest Pests - Insects and Diseases |
Urban Forester of the Day: |
* Species listed as “Naturalized” in Virginia. "Naturalized" means those species and subspecies of animals not originally native to Virginia that have established wild, self-sustaining populations. Species can be both naturalized and invasive and the reporting requirements will depend on the specific species, their establishment, distribution, and impacts within Virginia.
Be On the Lookout The following animals have not been confirmed in Fairfax County. If you see any of these species, please report the sighting to the listed organization.
| Species | More Information | Contact / Report Sighting |
|---|---|---|
|
Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Forest Pests - Insects and Diseases |
Urban Forester of the Day: |
If you are not sure if the species you observe is invasive, try using one of the many guides and apps available or get help from one of the organizations listed.