Local Partner Wins Invader Crusader Award

Rehoming Exotic Pet Effort Results in Honored Award

Surrendered Koi Fish

The 2020 “Invader Crusaders” are Wisconsin residents – and one friendly canine – recognized for their significant contributions to prevent, control or eradicate nonnative plants and animals that can harm Wisconsin’s ecosystems, economy and in some cases, public health.

Fox Valley’s own John Moyles was selected as a 2020 award winner. John has worked hard in the Fox Valley and Green Bay areas to provide alternatives to release for exotic pet owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. Two Pet Surrender events occur annually where parents of exotic pets can rehome their pets with local shelters and societies. Thanks to the work of the partners and the leadership of John’s efforts, over 450 pets have been re-homed instead of released into the wild.

Surrendered Tortoise

In some areas, there are no rehoming options for animals such as fish, snakes, and turtles. Given limited resources, pet owners unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal into the wild is the right thing to do. However, many aquarium species are exotic and if they become established in the environment, can wreak serious havoc as non-native species. Rehoming is a humane alternative to pet release.

In addition to John, other winners of the 2020 Invader Crusader award include a retired Cambridge elementary school teacher’s aide still organizing students who help keep invasive species out of the school forest, the recently retired leader of the Wisconsin DNR’s aquatic invasive species program, and a Wausau resident and his yellow Labrador dog who have tirelessly educated boaters and anglers on how to avoid spreading invasive aquatic plants. A full list of this year’s winners can be viewed on the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council Invader Crusader web page.

The Invader Crusader award winners are selected by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council as part of Invasive Species Action Month, which is underway this June. The council is advisory to the DNR, Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature on invasive species issues. Nominations come from residents and organizations and Invader Crusader awards are given in several categories.

Our congratulations and thanks for his work go out to John for this prestigious honor!