What do you consider invasive creatures? Plants or critters that are taking over in detrimental ways, or aliens, or gossipers, or politicians, or bosses? Or do you see your in-laws or friends you kicked to the curb as invasive creatures? Depending on who you are, they could all apply. I’ll cover a few, but in my first paragraph…well, second paragraph, I will start with what got me contemplating this week: the strange creatures and plants that are slowly infiltrating our part of the world.
Lots of the invasive creatures like the Sea Lamprey caused a lot of trouble for Michigan. Locally, we have seen zebra mussels coming in on ships (they can form colonies up to 80,000 individuals. I believe it – take a good look at my picture), Purple Loosestrife sucking our water areas dry, and Emerald Ash Borers killing our Ash trees. Asian ladybugs and monster wasps were brought in to solve problems, but sometimes these helpers cause their own problems after they solve the original issue. Creatures and plants are invading us.
Perhaps you see or saw the state prison, casino, or marijuana alley as invasive creatures, even though they all brought jobs or other benefits with them. Maybe you, your neighbor or family member have a pet that you think is an “invasive” creature. Barkers, jumpers, kickers, scratchers… Am I getting too far afield yet? I expect there are some people who think children are an invasive creature (even though they started out as children) – although how we can continue to inhabit the earth without them is a solid question in their favor. (The rest of us are cringing in anger at the thought of it, ready to pounce on any children “haters.” Children are light and breath to us.)
We all have our opinions about what’s invasive and what isn’t. But the old adage “live and let live” can go a long way in helping us get along – except for those invasive species overtaking our environment! Get rid of them asap! But let’s keep the children and pets, yes? YES!
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