Are these animals harmful to other species in the area?

Reporter
June 17, 2008, 2:24 p.m.

Thank you for submitting the report. Nutria are are now common in urban wetlands around the region, partly due to the fact they are often fed by humans.

It is important to realize that nutria are rodents and potential reservoirs for a variety of diseases that can be transferred to other species, including humans in some cases.

Anecdotal information suggests that nutria outcompete native species, particularly muskrats, for resources. Nutria can also facilitate habitat degradation through feeding and burrowing. Nutria feed on a variety of aquatic and terrestrial plants and are known to alter wetland habitat dynamics. Erosion resulting from burrowing reduces water quality and can impact many aquatic species, including fish.

The nutria page on the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs website at http://www.clr.pdx.edu/projects/ans/nutria.php contains more information on nutria impacts if you are interested. My contact information can also be found on this site if you have questions or would like further information.

Trevor Sheffels
Center for Lakes and Reservoirs
Portland State University

Trevor Sheffels
June 18, 2008, 8:10 a.m.