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Invasive and nonnative animals in North Dakota

Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.

On this page
  1. ANS Species List
  2. How to report
  3. Sources

5 nonnative animals are named on an official list for North Dakota: “ANS Species List” (North Dakota Game and Fish Department).

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.

ANS Species List

North Dakota Game and Fish Department, undated page. 5 animals.

  • Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

    Documented in North Dakota within the past 5 years and thought to still be present (NDGF ANS list); listed on NDGF's high-risk waters list as known in at least one ND water body. North Dakota Game and Fish Department

  • Common carp Cyprinus carpio

    Documented in North Dakota within the past 5 years and thought to still be present (NDGF ANS list); listed on NDGF's high-risk waters list as known in at least one ND water body. North Dakota Game and Fish Department

  • Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

    Documented in North Dakota within the past 5 years and thought to still be present (NDGF ANS list); listed on NDGF's high-risk waters list as known in at least one ND water body. North Dakota Game and Fish Department

  • Silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

    Documented in North Dakota within the past 5 years and thought to still be present (NDGF ANS list); listed on NDGF's high-risk waters list as known in at least one ND water body. North Dakota Game and Fish Department

  • Zebra mussel
    Photo: Harukano · CC0 1.0 · iNaturalist

    Zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha

    Documented in North Dakota within the past 5 years and thought to still be present (NDGF ANS list); listed on NDGF's high-risk waters list as known in at least one ND water body. North Dakota Game and Fish Department

How to report a sighting in North Dakota

North Dakota Game and Fish Department: 701-328-6300 (general), Report All Poachers 701-328-9921, online observation and ANS report forms (gf.nd.gov/ans/report). Report any amphibian or reptile not in the NDGF guide (including released pets or bullfrogs) to NDGF. Unusual ticks: submit a picture to ND HHS via its tickborne page. North Dakota Game and Fish Department

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. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). North Dakota Game and Fish Department. page shows ANS news dated 10/27/2026; checked November 3, 2026.
  2. ANS Species List. North Dakota Game and Fish Department. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (5)
    “Bighead carp Scientific Name: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis”
    “Common carp Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio”
    “Grass carp Scientific Name: Ctenopharyngodon idella”
    “Silver carp Scientific Name: Hypophthalmichthys molitrix”
    “Zebra mussel Scientific Name: Dreissena polymorpha”
  3. Contact Us. North Dakota Game and Fish Department. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “General Information: 701-328-6300”