Invasive and nonnative animals in Oklahoma

Bighead Carp (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

• Bighead Carp

  The presence of bighead carp in Lake Hudson has been verified by ODWC biologists. Bighead carp have been reported from the Neosho River above Grand Lake and the Grand River below Grand Lake. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Black Carp (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

• Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus

  ODWC confirmed the first report of a black carp within a private pond in McCurtian County in 2026. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Silver Carp (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

• Silver Carp

  Silver carp have been found in both the Arkansas and Red Rivers in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Grass Carp (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

• Grass Carp

  Today grass carp can be found in most reservoirs in Oklahoma and reproduction of grass carp has been verified in Lake Texoma by ODWC biolog Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

White Perch (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

• White Perch Morone americana

  White perch were first found in Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) routine sampling in 2000. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Freshwater Jellyfish (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

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  Freshwater Jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii

  Freshwater jellyfish were first reported in Oklahoma in 1930 … Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Harris Mud Crab (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

• Harris Mud Crab

  After several unsuccessful trapping and surveying attempts, it is thought that the Harris mud crab population in Oklahoma is limited. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) (ODWC Field Guide)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

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  Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha

  ODWC’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) program has confirmed invasive zebra mussels in many water bodies throughout Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Feral Hogs

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, undated page. 1 animal.

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  Feral hog (feral swine) Sus scrofa

  Feral swine have been detected in 70 of the state's 77 counties, but they are most prevalent across the southern parts of Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Updated and Revised Checklist of the Mammals of Oklahoma, 2019 (Caire, Loucks, Haynie, Coyner & Braun; Proc. Okla. Acad. Sci. 99:1-6)

Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science; authors at University of Central Oklahoma and Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (Department of Mammalogy), 2019. 1 animal.

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  Nutria Myocastor coypus

Established in Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma, which USGS defines as a population showing evidence of reproduction and overwinter survival.

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 Oklahoma.

How to report a sighting in Oklahoma

Report wildlife sightings (including mountain lions and bears) to ODWC online at wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/report-wildlife; report suspected invasive aquatic species to ODWC at (918) 200-4815 or online. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

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