California’s nutria mystery: Oregon-origin theory sparks debate over deliberate release
Genetic analysis links California’s invasive nutria population to Oregon, suggesting deliberate transport rather than natural migration. Nutria are destructive, semi-aquatic rodents that threaten agriculture and waterways in the Central Valley; they reappeared in Merced County after eradication efforts. Since 2017, California has removed about 7,841 nutrias through trapping or sterilization, with officials pondering control options—including hunting—that reflect the ongoing environmental threat.