The monster that feeds and eats away at Lake Tahoe
is an invasive species. Invasive species are non-native species that disrupt the complex balance of the ecosystem. A few of these species which have been identified in Lake Tahoe include Asian clams, New Zealand mudsnells, quagga mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf pondweed, and zebra mussels. These species compete with native species for resources, can out-compete them, and alter the ecosystem in a way that is detrimental to the native species. These invasive species have been found in Lake Tahoe and are known to have a negative impact on the water quality and recreational opportunities of the area. Management strategies such as physical removal, chemical and biological control, and public education and outreach are all being used to combat these species.