Nutria

Nutria (Myocastor coypus) are large, semi-aquatic rodents that are native to South America.  The species is invasive in the United States, and is now established in 17 states.  Nutria cause extensive damage to wetlands, agricultural crops, and structural foundations such as dikes and roads.  They may also threaten human health and safety and serve as a reservoir for tularemia and other diseases.  Integrated management solutions to nutria problems may include habitat manipulation, population management, and innovative approaches and tools generated by research.   

Overview

Nutria are invasive semi-aquatic rodents that were introduced into the United States in 1899. The species has since dispersed across much of the southern and eastern parts of the country.

Conflicts

Nutria conflicts with people vary widely. Their ease of mobility on land and in water enable them to rapidly disperse into new areas.

Management Assistance

WS is leading the first large-scale North American effort to eradicate a mainland population of nutria on the Delmarva Peninsula in Maryland where the rodents have devastated coastal Chesapeake Bay marshes. Also, WS works to assist with nutria control in the Gulf Coast states.

Research

WS conducts research and investigational studies to help develop and achieve management goals.