Table of Contents
How did the nutria spread?
When the nutria fur market collapsed in the 1940s, thousands of nutria escaped or were released into the wild by ranchers who could no longer afford to feed and house them. The nutria’s relatively high reproductive rate, combined with a lack of population controls, helped the species to spread.
Does nutria spread disease?
Nutria are vectors for wildlife diseases including tuberculosis and septicemia, which are transmissible to people, pets, and livestock.
How did the nutria get to the US?
Nutria were first brought to the U.S. between 1899 and 1930 for the purpose of establishing a fur farm industry. Some of the nutria escaped from these farms on their own, while others were released intentionally by unscrupulous farmers when it became apparent that there was no real market for the fur.
How did the nutria get to California?
Nutria were originally introduced to the U.S. (Elizabeth Lake, California) for the fur-trade in 1899, but failed to reproduce. There are established populations of nutria on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.
Can you eat nutria?
They consume plants only and among the healthiest of meats to consume… “My friends and great chefs Daniel Bonnot, Suzanne Spicer and John Besh helped convince a majority of consumers that nutria meat is very high in protein, low in fat and actually healthy to eat.
What states can you find nutria in?
Status: Feral populations are established in several states such as Louisiana, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
What is the solution for nutria?
IN SHORT: The best way to get rid of nutria is with trapping. Live traps, leg snares, large body grip traps, etc. It is not easy, and not for amateurs. Nutrias are semi-aquatic rodents that were brought to North America from South America because of their valuable fur.
Where are nutria found?
Habitat Preference. Nutria are found near permanent water sources, such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Though common in freshwater, nutria also inhabit brackish coastal water areas. Native to South America, nutria thrive in warmer climates, and their reproductive success is reduced by severe winter conditions.
Where do nutria live?
Nutria (Myocastor coypus, Fig. 1) are semi-aquatic rodents native to southern parts of South America. In the 1930s, they were sold throughout North America to fur farmers and as a means of controlling unwanted aquatic vegetation.
Where did nutria originate?
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is where the nutria was originally introduced from South America to the United States in the 1930s when there was a fur farm here.