These Invasive Creatures Are Wreaking Havoc in California—And Officials Want You to Eat Them

They look like a mix between an otter and a gopher, but conservation officials say the best way to handle California’s nutria problem is by eating as many as possible.

The nutria, a swamp-dwelling rodent originally from South America, has been wreaking havoc on California’s ecosystems, particularly in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Brought to the U.S. decades ago for their fur, these voracious eaters can consume up to 25% of their body weight in vegetation daily, destroying marsh habitats, weakening levees, and displacing native species.

To curb their population, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is encouraging Californians to hunt and eat nutria. Their campaign slogan? “Save a Swamp, Sauté a Nutria.” The 15- to 20-pound rodents reportedly taste like rabbit or dark turkey meat and can be used in stews, gumbo, or even chili.

California has been battling a nutria resurgence since 2017, with nearly 5,500 removed from wetlands—mostly in Merced, Fresno, Stanislaus, and Solano counties. The rodents breed rapidly, with females producing up to three litters per year, making eradication a major challenge.

As of April 20, 2026, a total of 8,071 nutria have been taken in California, with additional animals confirmed present, across Merced, Stanislaus, Fresno, Solano, San Joaquin, Fresno, Mariposa, Sacramento, Madera, Contra Costa, Kings, and Tuolumne counties. 

For those curious about cooking nutria, recipes like crockpot nutria, nutria chili, and stuffed hindquarters can be found at Nutria.com.