Invasive and nonnative animals in Massachusetts
Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.
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2 nonnative animals are named on 2 official lists for Massachusetts: “State Agricultural Officials Provide Update About Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts” (MDAR) and “Red-eared Slider - Collections (Massachusetts)” (US Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database).
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.
State Agricultural Officials Provide Update About Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), archived copy, captured May 16, 2026. 1 animal.
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Photo: Isaac Caswell · CC0 1.0 · iNaturalist Spotted lanternfly
More than 50 cities and towns across nine counties (MDAR, 8/27/2025) MDAR
Red-eared Slider - Collections (Massachusetts)
U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database, database queried November 3, 2026. 1 animal.
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Photo: ncb1221 · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans
USGS NAS: 19 records 1975-2022, mostly eastern Massachusetts (Boston area, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Plymouth, Hampden, Barnstable); 3 marked established (Boston area 1993, Springfield area 1993, Winchester 2021) US Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
How to report a sighting in Massachusetts
Wildlife problems: contact MassWildlife, (508) 389-6300 or [email protected] (M–F 8–4). Rattlesnake sightings: [email protected] (photos from a distance); suspected illegal activity: Massachusetts Environmental Police 1-800-632-8075. Rare species sightings: MassWildlife Heritage Hub or Rare Animal Observation Form. Spotted lanternfly in a new town: photo + reporting form at mass.gov/slf. Non-emergency shark sightings on the Outer Cape: Sharktivity app or ranger stations (508) 255-2112 / (508) 487-2100. MassWildlife
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
- State Agricultural Officials Provide Update About Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). archived copy, captured May 16, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“…the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive insect, has now been confirmed in more than 50 cities and towns across nine different counties in the state.”
- Red-eared Slider - Collections (Massachusetts). U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database. database queried November 3, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
- Frequently asked questions about rattlesnakes in MA. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). archived copy, captured June 18, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“You can report sightings of rattlesnakes to MassWildlife at [email protected], or report any suspected illegal activity directly to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.”