What Are Invasive Species?

Invasive species are plants or animals, either indigenous to this region (native) or from other regions (non-native or exotic), that have the ability to dominate or alter an ecosystem. Most exotic species originally arrived in ballast water or were intentionally or accidentally released from aquariums. Invasive species often are spread by remaining on boat trailers, propellers, and fishing gear or in bait buckets and cooling and live well water.