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Invasive and nonnative animals in Colorado

Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.

On this page
  1. Known Invasive Wildlife in Colorado
  2. Species profile: American Bullfrog
  3. Species profile: Emerald Ash Borer
  4. Species profile: Japanese Beetle
  5. Species profile: Spongy Moth
  6. How to report
  7. Sources

6 nonnative animals are named on 5 official lists for Colorado: “Known Invasive Wildlife in Colorado” (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), “Species profile: American Bullfrog” (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), “Species profile: Emerald Ash Borer” (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), “Species profile: Japanese Beetle” (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) and “Species profile: Spongy Moth” (Colorado Parks and Wildlife).

To report a sighting, see how to report.

Being on a list of nonnative species does not always mean an animal is harmful or established: each list below is described in its source's terms. A sighting of a listed animal is still worth reporting to the agency.

Known Invasive Wildlife in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, page states 2026-01-21T15:12:28-0700. 2 animals.

  • Feral hog Family Suidae

    Report any sighting to CPW (CPW: "Report any feral hog sightings to Colorado Parks and Wildlife immediately") Colorado Parks and Wildlife

  • Zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, rusty crayfish, Asian carp (aquatic nuisance species examples)

    Lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Species profile: American Bullfrog

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, undated page. 1 animal.

Species profile: Emerald Ash Borer

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, undated page. 1 animal.

Species profile: Japanese Beetle

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, undated page. 1 animal.

Species profile: Spongy Moth

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, undated page. 1 animal.

How to report a sighting in Colorado

Invasive species: file a report with CPW (online "Report a Sighting" form linked from cpw.state.co.us/invasive-wildlife). Injured/abandoned animals, feeding or illegal activity: CPW Denver Headquarters 303-297-1192 or any CPW office; anonymous: Operation Game Thief 877-265-6648. After-hours emergency: Colorado State Patrol 303-239-4500. Wildlife posing immediate danger: local CPW office or law enforcement. Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Do not try to catch or handle the animal. A photo taken from a safe distance, the place and the date help the agency.

Sources

  1. Known Invasive Wildlife in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. page states 2026-01-21T15:12:28-0700; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (3)
    “Invasive feral hogs are illegal to possess, live or import into Colorado.”
    “Examples of ANS are the zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, and rusty crayfish, Asian carp or Eurasian watermilfoil.”
    “If you spot any invasive species, file a report with CPW.”
  2. Species profile: American Bullfrog. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The American bullfrog is a non-native species that causes damage to the Colorado ecosystem.”
  3. Species profile: Emerald Ash Borer. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The emerald ash borer is an invasive species that causes damage to the ecosystem of Colorado.”
  4. Species profile: Japanese Beetle. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The Japanese beetle is an invasive species which causes damage to the Colorado ecosystem.”
  5. Species profile: Spongy Moth. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The spongy moth is an invasive species that causes harm to the ecosystem of Colorado.”