Invasive rodent plaguing California may have been deliberately released. Here's the theory

"Researchers found that California's nutria populations share a close genetic match to nutria from Oregon, indicating they were likely transported here intentionally rather than migrating on their own."

"Nutrias can eat a quarter of their body weight in vegetation, burrow destructively, and ravage waterways and ecosystems, posing a significant threat to California's agriculture."

Nutria, a destructive rodent resembling a small beaver, has reappeared in California after being eradicated for nearly four decades. Recent research indicates that the state's nutria populations are genetically similar to those from Oregon, suggesting intentional transportation. The rodents may have been brought to combat overgrown vegetation or as pets. Native to South America, nutrias were initially introduced to the U.S. for fur trade. They thrive in mild climates, reproduce rapidly, and pose significant threats to agriculture and ecosystems by consuming large amounts of vegetation and damaging waterways.

Read at Los Angeles Times