Each year numerous plant and animal species disperse from their natural range to new locations around the world. Many of these non-native, exotic species have colonized the mountain and prairie regions of the United States and become invasive, displacing native plant and animal ecological communities. The consequences of these invasions may be localized or widespread and impacts can range from minor to severe. Invasive species compete with native species, alter ecosystems, and may bring disease not only to native flora and fauna but to humans as well.

State agencies have identified common invasive plants in the Mountain Prairie Region of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. For additional information on invasive plant and animal species, including species lists, data, activities, laws, and groups working on invasive species in the United States, visit the Invasive Species Node.