Monumental Questions - What is Wild Spotter?
Kristie Ehrhardt • October 2, 2025
Do you ever come across a suspect species while you’re out enjoying your hike in the stunningly beautiful Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and think, “hmm, if only there was a handy app that I could use to identify and report this suspicious looking species”?
Well, it just so happens that you are in luck!
The United States Forest Service in partnership with universities, several non-profits and other other agencies have recently developed the Wild Spotter app! This app lets you identify, report, map and share invasive species (a non-native animal, plant or other living organism that may outcompete and cause harm to native species, causing environmental or economic damage) observed on public land. Incredibly handy, eh?! The app uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sort through photos and identify species as invasive/non-native. It also uses GPS to map the species location and population size so it can be located again in the future.
Wild Spotter’s webpage states that focus is to “engage and empower the public to help find, map and prevent invasive species in America’s wilderness areas, wild rivers and other natural areas.” Wild Spotter uses Citizen Science to build a database of invasive species and their location in order to help protect our shared wild spaces.
To begin, register either on their website
https://www.wildspotter.org/index.cfm or download the free app and then get yourself outside! While you are hiking keep an eye out for those non-native invaders and start reporting.
Strategic places to look for invasive species include :
Trailheads and trails that get a lot of foot traffic from humans and animals.- Creeks, rivers, and lakes where people boat, fish or swim. Watercraft, even inflatable floaties or fishing equipment may inadvertently transport invasive species in ballast water or in mud carried from one excursion to another.
- Campsites and rest areas where people congregate and may bring bikes, dogs or horses that invasive species can catch a ride on. Things like picnic blankets, strollers, and camping equipment can also carry seeds from one location to another.
- Historic sites or nature viewing areas where people may stop and wander about. Vegetation or seeds can be transported in pet fur, tread or mud on tires or hiking boots or even in camp chairs and coolers. Some of these places may already have invasive species established that were brought in in the past, keeping an eye on things and keeping them clean helps to curb the spread of invasive species.
And just in case you need a reminder, fall is a great time to hike!
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