/Report a sighting
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO DESTROY THE NEST YOURSELF
Helping track the spread of the Asian hornet is as simple as taking a photo. Modern smartphones make it possible to capture both the hornet or its nest and the exact location where it was observed. When you take a photo, your device records GPS coordinates and the time in the image metadata, providing useful information for researchers and authorities.
You can choose to submit:
- under your own Observation.org account,
- under your own iNaturalist account,
- anonymously through our project account.
Either way, the data contributes to a real-time map of sightings, supporting early detection and control efforts.
For the best results, take a clear photo that shows identifying features of the hornet or nest. Include some context in the image, such as nearby trees or structures, to help experts verify the sighting. Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the colony, since defensive hornets can react aggressively to perceived threats. Choi, Hong, and Kwon (source 1) showed that hornets are especially sensitive to dark colors and black hair, so wearing lighter clothing and remaining calm will reduce the risk of triggering defensive behavior.
Once the photo is ready, the website automatically extracts the GPS coordinates and timestamp from the image. If you choose to submit under your account, the observation is linked directly to you and later appears in INaturalist. If you submit anonymously, it is credited to our project account, still contributing valuable data without requiring an account. Either way, your contribution becomes part of a global monitoring network, helping authorities respond quickly and effectively to new invasions.