If nothing is done to control the invasive creatures, officials estimate the population could grow to 1,000 animals by 2035. So, they aim to cull about 80 individuals later this year

Nearly 200 hippos are estimated to roam in Colombia. Raul Arboleda / AFP via Getty Images

Colombia is taking aim at its invasive hippopotamus population. This week, the government announced plans to euthanize dozens of the hulking animals, which are causing ecological and safety issues in the South American country.

“It is out of responsibility to our ecosystems that we must take these actions,” said Irene Vélez , Colombia’s environment minister, at a press conference on April 13, as reported by El País ’ Lucas Reynoso.

Colombia is home to nearly 200 hippos, which are the descendants of four animals brought to the country illegally by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar in the early 1980s.…