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Orange-Toothed Invaders: Nutria Devour US Wetlands
18 Dec
Summary
- Nutria, semi-aquatic rodents from South America, were introduced for fur in 1889.
- These invasive rodents rapidly reproduce and consume a quarter of their body weight daily.
- States like Louisiana offer bounties and encourage eating nutria to control populations.
A rapidly spreading invasive species, the nutria, is wreaking havoc on U.S. wetlands. Originally from South America and introduced for the fur trade in 1889, these large, semi-aquatic rodents have few natural predators and reproduce year-round, leading to booming populations.
Nutria consume vast amounts of vegetation, stripping vital marsh plants and damaging ecosystems. This destruction impacts water purification, flood protection, and habitats for other wildlife. States like Louisiana are implementing control measures, including a $6 bounty per animal and encouraging residents to hunt and eat them.
Maryland's successful two-decade, $30 million eradication program provides a template for other affected states like California. Despite the ecological threat, efforts are underway to manage and control the nutria population before further environmental damage occurs.
