Authorities are on alert after the spotted lanternfly was detected in North Carolina. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the fast spreading invasive insect poses a major threat to the ecosystem and to farmers and producers. A Jackson County horticulturalist said the spotted lanternfly has yet to make it to Jackson County. State officials have brought in K-9 detector dogs to help find egg masses across the state. The public is urged to be on the lookout as well, and report a suspected sighting to the NC Dept. of Agriculture.
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