Mammals - invasive

Nutria (Myocastor coypus) on Jun 30, 2008

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

A large rodent (Slightly larger than a football) with webbed hind feet and a thin tail. It had thick white whiskers at the end of it's muzzle that made it look like it had a mustache.

Commentary

Thank you for submitting this report. The animal you saw was in fact a nutria; the thin rat-like tail, webbed hind feet, and white whiskers are all distinguishing characteristics of this species. Nutria are now common in wetlands throughout the Portland Metro area, so you may see more nutria in the future.

If you would like more information on nutria, please visit the nutria page on the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs website at http://www.clr.pdx.edu/projects/ans/nutria.php. My contact information can also be found on this page if you have further questions.

Trevor Sheffels
Center for Lakes and Reservoirs
Portland State University

Trevor Sheffels
June 30, 2008, 10:05 a.m.

Resources

There is a lot of good information about nutria in Oregon on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Living With Wildlife site.

Location

I live in a well populated area, Hillsdale. There is a stream that flows through the middle of my apartment complex. There is a section of the stream where the brush has been allowed to grow unchecked. At the edge of this section the stream flows into a drain culvert.

Expert Reviewer

Trevor Sheffels

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