California ramps up efforts to combat invasive swamp rodents

[nitpicker]

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-24/california-swamp-rodents-evironment-threat

California ramps up efforts to combat invasive swamp rodents

By Associated Press

Sep. 24, 2019 |10:50 PM

LOS BANOS, Calif. — One of the most recent threats to California’s environment has webbed feet, white whiskers, shaggy fur and orange buck teeth that could be mistaken for carrots.
(snip)

The swamp rodents, called nutria, are setting off alarms in California. They weigh about 20 pounds each and eat the equivalent of about a fourth of their weight each day by burrowing into riverbanks and chomping into plants that emerge from the water.

The animals can destroy the wetland habitats of rare and endangered species, degrading soil, ruining crops and carrying pathogens that may threaten livestock.

Most of all, they pose a public safety risk: Left unchecked, nutria could jeopardize California’s water supply, especially if they get into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

The delta is the “heartbeat of California’s water infrastructure,” according to Peter Tira, spokesman for the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. It contains a network of more than 1,000 miles of canals and levees that protect the area from flooding, provide drinking water to millions of Californians and irrigate the lush agricultural region.

Now, armed with $10 million in state funds, the wildlife agency is deploying new tactics to eradicate the nutria and try to prevent the widespread destruction they are known to cause.
(snip)

[calimary]

1. New way to refer to republi-CONS! Invasive swamp rodents!

[LuvLoogie]

2. I think I might become an invasive species bounty hunter if I get laid off or retire.

whichever comes first.