It originally was introduced by settlers in the 1800s as a source of wood, shade and erosion control. Now it infests 1 million U.S. acres. Established salt-cedar thickets are difficult to remove except with a combination of herbicide and digging. Now ranging across Texas, the nutria is a voracious herbivore, eating a tremendous amount of wetland plants in a single day. Over time, it can dramatically change the dynamics of a wetland system.
Nutria also burrow into canal and road embankments, causing damage and dangerous situations.
They can be hunted, or game wardens can be contacted about removal. These seemingly harmless little black birds are too successful for their own good. They're adaptable, aggressive and territorial and, since their U.S. introduction early this century, have proliferated throughout the country. They like to kick out native birds and use their homes for their own nests. Victims include wood ducks, purple martins, bluebirds and barn owls.