Across the United States, a growing number of animals are being labelled as pests.

The latest to get the label are the beavers in Massachusetts. The furry dam builders have also been a problem in Washington, where they've caused floods and other damage.

Florida has issues with its alligators. There are apparantly too many birds in Louisiana. And mountain lions are coming into contact with hikers more and more in California, according to this story in the New York Times.

Maryland has mute swans, an invasive species that eats the bay grasses and squeezes out other birds. The state Department of Natural Resources is ready to off them all.

But many of these animals have made a comeback after their habitat was either destroyed or they were unintentionally poisoned by toxins seeping into their territory. Think bald eagle. Animal welfare groups and some environmentalists cheer their return. Other groups want them gone gone gone.

So, how do we balance? Can we share space? Should we get rid of the invasive species and allow the native ones to stay? Allow some hunting or some sharpshooters in?

Baltimore Sun photo/Amy Davis