"Genetic sequencing has revealed that the state's nutria populations are most genetically similar to populations in Oregon, suggesting that California's current nutria invasion was the result of intentional reintroduction."
"Given where nutria were rediscovered in California, it is nearly impossible that they could have migrated there on their own. It's too far of a distance and we don't find any nutria in the areas in between."
"Someone may have thought they could be an effective natural way to manage aquatic vegetation on their private property. Also, some people just really like nutria."
California is facing a nutria invasion, a destructive rodent that threatens wetlands and endangered species. Genetic analysis indicates that the current nutria population is closely related to those in Oregon, suggesting intentional reintroduction. Nutria were first brought to Oregon in 1937 and eradicated in California by the 1970s. The rediscovery of a pregnant nutria in 2017 raises concerns about human involvement in their return. Experts believe that the distance from known populations makes natural migration unlikely, pointing to human introduction as the most plausible explanation.
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