Nutria....imported South American rats

[dieselsmoke1]

Saw 2 of these cursed varmits in the river behind the house today. Don't think one of them's feeling too good about now.

These things are bad news. Basically a 20 lb wolf rat that swims and has no fear of anything. I've seen one come up on the bank specifically to entice a dog into the water, then jump on his back and try to drown him.

I encourage anyone that has an opportunity to aquaint one with a hollow point to do so.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Just out of curiosity, what areas of THIS country are they found in?

 

[dieselsmoke1]

I stand to be corrected, but I think from Louisianna to Maryland.

 

[DieselnHooters]

Sounds like its time for a counter measure
Jaguar....imported South American cats

 

[dieselsmoke1]

You might have hit on something, DH. I don't think these things have any natural preditors here.

 

[Glenn9643]

I knew they were around this area but had no idea they had moved that far north. You'll have to stay alert to keep them at bay!

 

[Tdog]

Nutria are pretty well hated around here. Local governments have tried an number of items to reduce their population, from offering bounties, to deputy 'sharpshooters' with night vision scopes. Nutria eat the grass that grows at the edge of canals-rivers-ponds-bayous, and that promotes erosion. They do have a hefty pair of incisors, but I've never heard of them attacking dogs or other animals.
The common story, some dispute, is that a few were caged on Avery Island [where Tabasco is made], when a hurricane hit & freed them to the marsh & swamps of south Louisiana. From there, they have spread wide & far. I am surprised at a North Carolina sighting, however. Not that I am too surprised.

 

[bgott]

Nutrias aren't bad eating, I bet they're Atkins friendly. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Junkman]

I just couldn't resist opening this post. I decided to do a little research and found a good web page telling all about them. It even includes a recipe, in the event that you want to have one for supper. Don't know if I would call this a delicacy or not..... I think that I would prefer a McDonald's hamburger to one of them... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( what areas of THIS country are they found in? )</font>

Forty years ago, we had a few in Dallas in a couple of lakes in city parks. Most people never knew they were there because we only saw them late at night. I don't know whether they ever got rid of them or not.