Nutria (Myocastor coypus) on Jun 3, 2011
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Description of specimen
We couldn't determine if the animal was a beaver or nutria for a while. But I had a good look at its tail today. Definitely a nutria. We've also heard what we thought were bullfrogs in the pond a couple of months ago. It was the low frog call.
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. Nutria can also become aggressive on occasion, so please encourage people not to feed the nutria if feeding is currently happening.
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 3, 2011, 10:22 a.m.