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Invasive and nonnative animals in New Jersey

Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.

On this page
  1. Invasive Animals and Pests
  2. USGS NAS records: Cuban treefrog, New Jersey
  3. USGS NAS records: lionfish, New Jersey
  4. USGS established records
  5. How to report
  6. Sources

16 nonnative animals are named on 3 official lists for New Jersey: “Invasive Animals and Pests” (NJDEP), “USGS NAS records: Cuban treefrog, New Jersey” (US Geological Survey) and “USGS NAS records: lionfish, New Jersey” (US Geological Survey).

The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database records an established population in New Jersey for 1 nonnative animal in the groups this guide covers.

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.

Invasive Animals and Pests

NJDEP, archived copy, captured February 24, 2026. 14 animals.

USGS NAS records: Cuban treefrog, New Jersey

U.S. Geological Survey, database queried November 3, 2026. 1 animal.

USGS NAS records: lionfish, New Jersey

U.S. Geological Survey, database queried November 3, 2026. 1 animal.

  • Lionfish
    Photo: Kristof Zyskowski · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

    Lionfish Pterois volitans/miles

    Atlantic Ocean off New Jersey (Belmar, Monmouth County; Cape May; a wreck site): 3 USGS NAS records, 2003-2012, status field "established" US Geological Survey

Established in New Jersey, per USGS records

The U.S. Geological Survey's Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database tracks nonnative aquatic animals. These have at least one record with the status "established" in New Jersey, which USGS defines as a population showing evidence of reproduction and overwinter survival.

AnimalGroupFirst recordLatest recordCounties
Lionfish Pterois volitans/milesSharks and Marine Life200320121

Source: U.S. Geological Survey. [2026]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [11/3/2026]. "Native Transplant" animals are native elsewhere in the US but not in New Jersey.

How to report a sighting in New Jersey

DEP 24-hour hotline 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337) for venomous snakes on private land, bear damage or nuisance bears, and injured or dead bobcats; report endangered, threatened and special concern wildlife (and roadkill) with the NJ Wildlife Tracker app. NJDEP Fish & 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. USGS NAS records: Cuban treefrog, New Jersey. U.S. Geological Survey. database queried November 3, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
  2. USGS NAS records: lionfish, New Jersey. U.S. Geological Survey. database queried November 3, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
  3. Invasive Animals and Pests. NJDEP. archived copy, captured February 24, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (14)
    “C. idella … H. molitrix … H. nobolis”
    “Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater”
    “Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis”
    “European Starling Sturnus vulgaris”
    “Feral Cat Felis domesticus”
    “Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris”
    “House Mouse Mus musculus”
    “House Sparrow Passer domesticus”
    “Longhorned Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis”
    “Northern Snakehead Channa spp.”
    “Norway (Brown) Rat Rattus norvegicus”
    “Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans”
    “Gypsy (spongy) Moth-Larva Lymantria dispar”
    “Spotted Lanternfly (Adult) Lycorma delicatula”
  4. Black Bears in New Jersey. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. archived copy, captured July 21, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “To report black bear damage and nuisance behavior, call the DEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337)”
  5. U.S. Geological Survey. [2026]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [11/3/2026].