Nutria, often misnamed “nutria rats,” are large, semi-aquatic rodents native to South America. Introduced to the United States in the early 20th century for fur farming. However, when the value of the fur fell, it became too expensive for farmers to continue to care for the nutria and they began setting them free. Since then, Nutria established wild populations in many states. While their exact population is difficult to estimate due to their elusive nature, nutria are most prevalent in coastal areas and wetlands, particularly in the southern United States. 

Nutria are herbivores with a voracious appetite for aquatic vegetation. They consume a variety of plants, including roots, stems, and leaves. Their constant grazing can have a devastating impact on wetland ecosystems. This drive to eat has even earned them a spot in Texas Parks and Wildlife’s most unwanted plants and animals list.

Nutria’s most noticeable feature is their orange teeth. Like other rodents, nutria have oversized incisors that stick out of the front of their face. But since they are orange, their teeth are particularly noticeable. The orange color comes from a special iron hardened enamel on their teeth that improves their durability as they chew and gnaw their way through trees, roots, and other hard materials. 

Signs of Nutria on Your Property

If you suspect nutria are inhabiting your property, look for these indicators:

• Wetland Present:  Nutria want to be near water sources and will seek them out. 
• Burrows: Nutria create burrows near water sources, often in banks or under vegetation.
• Gnawed Vegetation: These rodents have strong teeth and leave behind distinct gnaw marks on plants.
• Footprints: Nutria have large, webbed feet that leave distinctive tracks in soft mud or soil.
• Damage to Water Features: Ponds, streams, and shorelines can suffer erosion and damage from nutria activity.

Nutria Breeding Season

Nutria are prolific breeders, with females capable of reproducing multiple times a year. Breeding typically occurs in the spring and summer months, when food resources are abundant. Gestation periods are relatively short, allowing for rapid population growth.

Fun Fact: Like other rodents, nutria are able to have multiple litters a year making their population growth close to exponential. 

Nutria’s Role in the Ecosystem

While nutria play a role in the food chain as prey for predators like alligators and coyotes, their overall impact on ecosystems is generally negative as they are an invasive species in the US. Their excessive consumption of aquatic vegetation can lead to erosion, habitat loss, and declines in fish and bird populations. As an invasive species, Texas has an open hunting season with no bag limit for Nutria. This means that any Texas licensed hunter can shoot as many nutria as they would like on any day in an effort to limit the impact nutria have on our environment. 

Making Your Home Less Inviting

To deter nutria from your property, consider the following strategies:

• Habitat Modification: Remove attractive food sources like aquatic plants and eliminate potential hiding spots near water bodies.
• Fencing: Install sturdy fencing around ponds or other water features to prevent access.
• Predator Attractants: Creating habitats for natural predators, such as owls or snakes, can help deter nutria.
• Trapping and Relocation: In severe cases, trapping and relocating nutria may be necessary, but it’s essential to comply with local regulations.
• Repellents: Some commercial repellents may deter nutria, but their effectiveness can vary.

Summary

It’s important to note that nutria are often considered invasive pests, and their populations can be challenging to control. Working with local wildlife management agencies can provide valuable guidance and resources but if you are facing them on your property, companies like Prickly Pear can help with trapping and removal of these beaver like rodents.