They hitchhike on hulls and in bait buckets, move through ballast and bilge, and can remake waters, budgets, and biodiversity long before they’re noticed. More than 6,500 non-native species are now established in the U.S. Invasive species represent a major threat to wildlife and landscapes, while also having negative economic and human health impacts. Each year, invasive species cost governments, industries, and private citizens billions of dollars. This week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week, but USGS invasive species science happens year-round. The USGS works with federal, state, tribal, and territorial agencies to provide information and tools that help solve problems posed by invasive species across the country. While invasive species prevention is the first line of defense, even the best prevention efforts will not stop all invasive species. USGS scientists develop and use tools to find invasive species early—when populations are small and much easier to eliminate....