The Rodent Destroying American Wildlife (the Nutria)

 

What if we told you a pest existed capable of destroying American infrastructure, wildlife, roadways, and even collapsing homes? 

In fact, a creature so dangerous to United States natural wildlife that some government agencies have literally encouraged people to hunt and kill this pest? 

Believe it or not, this pest exists, and it’s called “The Gnasher” Nutria, or Myocaster Coypus. 

Our video version of this post is amazing, which you can watch by clicking HERE now. 

You can also download the podcast by pressing the download button above! 

Who is this Pest? 

Nutria weren’t originally from the North American continent- they were brought to the United States by farmers from South America trying to make a profit by selling their fur. 

Realizing that they couldn’t make a profit off of these creatures, they were released into the wild which is when the rampage began. Some farmers attempted to hold onto their nutria, but the clever creatures found a way to escape. 

Rapid Expansion

Nutria aren’t originally from North America and thus were able to rapidly expand into our wildlife.

They were unchecked and had unfair advantages against the other wild creatures. They began to grow very quickly, causing a huge host of problems for the native wildlife and vegetation which we will talk about in a minute. 

These creatures can expand fast. One breeding pair (that is, one male and one female) can produce up to 15,000 individual nutria after a period of 3 years. 

Yes, you read that right- these creatures reproduce quickly and with little competition in North America (and other areas they’ve infested) they can grow fast, quickly damaging the ecosystems in the United States. 

Effects of Nutria in the United States

These nutria creatures cause a huge host of problems to America. They’re quite damaging, and a serious issue that is currently being dealt with by various government agencies in different states. 

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 negatively, preventing them from creating a balance in the ecosystem. 

Nutria damage our agricultural crops such as rice, sugarcane, alfalfa, and corn- and more, but these are the main ones. 

They deplete native plants which leads to colonization of non-native invasive plants such as reed canarygrass which provides little to no value to native species. 

This sets off a chain effect which severely damages the ecosystem, preventing natural wildlife from getting the food they need, and ultimately reducing diversity and leading to endangerment of certain creatures. 

Furthermore these awful rodents serves as a host for some nasty pathogens including tuberculosis and septicemia which can be transmitted to people, pets, and livestock. 

Parasites they carry include tapeworm, liver flukes, and nematodes, which can be found in nutria feces and urine. These parasites often contaminate swimming areas and drinking water supplies.

One common problem associated with nutria is the “nutria itch,” yet another disease spread to use humans. 

To make matters worse nutria love to dig long tunnels. One of the longest tunnels recorded was 150 feet or 45 meters long! 

This damages rivers, man-made objects, and infrastructure, literally causing parts of the ground to collapse when the soil is no longer capable of supporting the tunnels. This can cause structural damage to our roads and houses. 

Fighting Back

A lot is spent trying to reverse and prevent damage caused by these pests, but they’re sneaky and able to reproduce too quickly! 

Nutria haven’t just attacked North America- they’ve also been identified as a problem in Africa, Europe, and Asia as well. 

In an extreme effort to encourage the termination of this species, Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife and FIsheries is trying to encourage people to hunt and eat them. They are literally coming up with nutria recipes in a hope that the problem can be mitigated. 

In other states such as Washington and Oregon, nutria are classified as a prohibited species. In Washington it is prohibited to transport nutria without a permit. You are also allowed to trap these animals year round with no limits. 

If you own land, property, or are a farmer it is very important you educate yourself about the effects of nutria, what they look like, their behaviors, etc. 

If you think that you have any wildlife/pest related problems, please contact us immediately at 855-WILDLIFE or www.wildlifexteam.com and we’ll be sure to get a specialist on the case ASAP. 

Lessons Learned

As we continue to globalize, it’s becoming increasingly important for us as a species to develop wisely and prevent infestation as the effects can be catastrophic. 

Nutria are not the only case of a non-native species being transported to another continent and then causing chaos in the new continent. 

Some ant species also taken from South America to North America + Europe have repeated this problem also. This is not an isolated case- we must not let history keep repeating itself. 

In the meantime, please contact us if you have any wildlife or pest-related problem. We will be happy to talk with you and help you out! 

Thanks and have a great day! 

-Wildlife x Team International 
 

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Control or Eliminate Rodents
They did an excellent job. They worked quickly and efficiently and had the job finished in no time. They are very courteous and professional and easy to work with. They also guaranteed their work for three years.
Jay W., Arlington, TX