Mammals - invasive

Nutria (Myocastor coypus) on Jul 31, 2008

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

There have been several nutria sightings on Springbrook Rd in Newberg, by the Fred Meyers/US Bank. There is a swampy ditch at both sides of the exit of the shopping center on Springbrook Rd. where the nutria live. The nutria have been known to charge at people that antagonize them. I do not have pictures of them, but most people in Newberg know they live there.

Commentary

Thank you for submitting the report. Nutria are are now common in urban wetlands around the region. Nutria often migrate into urban drainage ditches because they are often fed by humans at these locations.

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. As is the case with many species of wildlife, nutria can become aggressive if they are disturbed; it is important to leave them alone.

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
Aug. 1, 2008, 3:41 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

There is a deep, swampy ditch at both sides of the exit of the Fred Meyers shopping center/ US Bank on Springbrook Rd in Newberg. There are a lot of wetland plants and, I believe, a storm drain down there.

Expert Reviewer

Trevor Sheffels

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