Invaded by rat-like semi-aquatic rodent species? Eat them, says US federal agency

No one likes an invasive species which destroys habitats and ruins a local ecosystem.

But for those plagued by the nutria, a rat-like species terrorising marshland in America, you should just eat them to control their population, said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Feb. 20.

As part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the federal agency highlighted the deliciousness of nutria, a dark-coloured, semi-aquatic rodent resembling a large rat or a beaver.

"Eat me! Please? I'm invasive and delicious," a Facebook post from the agency read.

The campaign's slogan this year is "Save a Swamp, Sauté a Nutria".

Destructive

Unlike beavers' paddle-shaped tails, nutria have long tails that resemble those of rats.

Nutria are native to South America but were brought to the U.S. for their fur.

Since escaping captivity in the 1940s, they have become an invasive species in 17 states, including Louisiana and California.

"Their nonstop munching and burrowing destroy the plants that keep marshes stable, leading to erosion, loss of habitat, and wetlands that look like something out of a disaster movie," the federal agency's post read.

Also yummy

The solution? Nutria gumbo, the agency said.

It said nutria meat is "lean, mild, and tastes like rabbit", or even the dark meat of a turkey.

One recipe by The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recommended by the agency uses two smoked nutria, sliced pork sausage, chopped vegetables and spices to make a stew.

Other recipes suggested on the website include deep-fried nutria, nutria meat loaf and nutria sandwich spread.

Apart from nutria, the agency suggested four other invasive species that could be cooked and eaten to control their populations — the northern snakehead, green iguana, carp, and wild boar.

It recommended readers to check their state’s regulations and restrictions before donning their hunting gear.

Bounty on its head

This is not the first time that a target has been put on nutria.

In 2002, the state of Louisiana established a program that offers a bounty of US$6 (S$8.09) on nutria tails brought in by hunters and trappers.

The Nutria Rodeo, a two-day nutria hunting competition held annually in Louisiana, sees hundreds of the rodents shot and killed in the name of conservation.

It also features a nutria cook-off.

Top image from Louisian Nutria Rodeo/Facebook & LSU AgCenter/Facebook