Terrestrial Animals

Several introduced terrestrial animals now call Yukon home. Most of these are of no concern, for instance house mice and feral horses and cats. However, a few invertebrates are invasive in the Yukon context. This includes

• Larch Sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii)
• Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata)
• Multi-coloured Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
• Octagonal-tail Worm Dendrobaena octaedra

The latter three often are introduced and disseminated through horticulture. Never acquire or release these species in the Yukon. The two invasive lady beetles are known to compete with native lady beetles such as the Transverse Lady Beetle (Coccinelly transversalis), causing a decrease in their survivorship and abundance. If you detect octogonal-tail worm, please do everything you can to control it and to eradicate it where possible. Never release it in the wild.

On several occasions, european wild boars/swine/pigs (sus scrofa) have escaped their Yukon enclosures but could be tracked down and destroyed. This species is exceptionally invasive, and can form hybrids with domestic pig (Sus domesticus) that are even more problematic. Southern Canada and the continental USA are at grips with a severe european wild boar infestations. Escapees are know to be able to survive harsh winter conditions. 

As well, goldfish (Carassius auratus) and cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) have occasionally been dumped into hot springs such as Takhini’s or warm springs such as Atlin’s.

Some elk (Cervus canadensis) populations are introduced to the Yukon, and others are natural colonizers. Bison (Bison bison) is considered a re-introduction.