3.12 Summary of Current Status of Exotic Species in Oregon

Exotic species arrive in the state by several avenues. Some exotic species have been intentionally released and encouraged to proliferate. A number of species of game birds (such as chukar, white-tailed ptarmigan, and wild turkey) and sport fish (such as large-mouth bass) were introduced by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly the Oregon Game Commission) (Evanich 1986). Such introductions are no longer state policy because of the threats they pose to native wildlife. Private individuals are also responsible for some exotic introductions (such as bullfrogs). Many exotic species are maintained as pets or as ranching experiments. Occasionally such species escape from cultivation and establish breeding populations. Nutria (a large South American rodent), snapping turtles and carp are in this category.