Nutria (Myocastor coypus) on May 31, 2010
Submitter does not have a specimen
Description of specimen
I would stop and watch ducks and then I noticed something in the water last week was not sure what it was then today I saw three nutria one in the water and two on the grass next to the sidewalk they were not afraid of us as we walked by also the ducks have no longer been there
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
June 1, 2010, 1:39 a.m.