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How do nutria affect other species?
Nutria are known for feeding heavily on plant roots, which changes soil structure and transforms wetlands into open water habitat. Loss of marsh habitat impacts native species such as waterfowl and muskrats. These organisms, found in nutria feces and urine can contaminate swimming areas and drinking water supplies.
What ecosystem did the nutria invade?
Besides posing a threat to the numerous plant, animal and insect species that populate wetlands, degradation of these fragile areas impacts the surrounding Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. For example, when nutria remove stabilizing grasses from marsh areas, soil is washed into the Gulf by tides and by storms.
How is nutria a threat?
Nutria cause various kinds of damage through burrowing, intense herbivory, and carrying pathogens and parasites. Nutria also serve as hosts for tuberculosis and septicemia, which are threats to humans, livestock, and pets.
Can nutria be kept as pets?
California is moving to prohibit nutria as pets. SACRAMENTO, Calif. Now the Sacramento Bee reports the commission says it will discuss adding nutria to a list of prohibited pets. Scientists say they’ve captured hundreds as part of a $2 million plan to eradicate the animal.
Does Louisiana still have a nutria problem?
By 1960, state wildlife officials estimated there were 20 million nutria roaming the Louisiana wetlands. Despite a slowed rate of coastal wetland loss in Louisiana since 2010, the U.S. has still lost about half of its wetlands over the past 200 years. Since the 1930s, one-quarter of Louisiana’s coast has disappeared.
Are nutria rats aggressive?
Nutria can definitely exhibit aggressive behaviors. When they feel trapped by people, this aspect of their behavior sometimes comes out. They can act fiercely, which often brings upon physical harm not only in human beings, but also in pets.