Nutria (Myocastor coypus) on Mar 30, 2009
Submitter does not have a specimen
Description of specimen
Was showing my daughter the ducks on the pond before getting into our car. Saw the Nutria swimming, then climb out of the water. Looked like a Beaver, but with a long thin tail, not a paddle-like tail, so confident of identification.
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 and not feed them.
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.
Thanks again for your efforts!
Trevor Sheffels
Center for Lakes and Reservoirs
Portland State University
Trevor Sheffels
March 31, 2009, 2:23 a.m.