California wildlife officials are encouraging residents to help control the state's growing nutria population by adding the invasive rodents to their diets. The nutria, a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, is now thriving in many parts of California, posing significant threats to local ecosystems. This initiative is part of broader efforts to manage invasive species during National Invasive Species Awareness Week.
Nutrias have become a serious problem since they were first introduced to the United States for the fur trade. These rodents can grow up to 40 inches (102cm) in length, making them comparable in size to a beaver or a small dog. They consume up to a quarter of their body weight in vegetation daily, leading to substantial habitat destruction and competition with native wildlife.
The resurgence of nutria populations in California, particularly in Merced, Fresno, Stanislaus, and Solano counties, has alarmed state officials. Although previously believed to be eradicated from the state in the 1970s, a spike in their numbers was detected in 2017, especially in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River delta and surrounding wetlands. To date, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has removed approximately 5,500 nutrias from California wetlands.
Wildlife officials are advocating for residents to hunt and consume nutrias as part of a larger strategy to manage invasive species. Other recommended species for consumption include the northern snakehead, green iguana, various species of carp, and wild boars. Resources such as recipes for nutria dishes are available on Nutria.com to support this initiative.
"Eating invasive species can help protect native wildlife by reducing their numbers and limiting the damage they cause to ecosystems." – Erin Huggins, a spokesperson for the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The CDFW remains committed to mitigating the impact of nutrias on California's ecosystems. The nutria's relentless feeding habits threaten the state's ecosystems by destroying habitats and displacing native wildlife. To combat these challenges, officials continue to implement strategies aimed at reducing nutria populations and preserving California's natural resources.