Posted on 03/05/2025 8:48:28 AM PST by Red Badger
In a development that may not completely square with new HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s crusade to "Make America Healthy Again," government officials suggested that people should deal with the growing population of an invasive rodent species the old-fashioned way.
By eating them.
In a story reported by The New York Post, the federal government has helpfully informed Americans that nutria — an invasive rat-like rodent species increasing in population across the country — may be perfect for your next meal.
As part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Services released a list of the top five invasive species that can safely be caught, captured, and cooked in an effort to crack down on overpopulation.
The nutria topped the list. The agency noted that hunting the rodent isn't an end-all-be-all solution, but that it's a step in the right direction.
With everyone talking about the rising cost of meat these days, it should come as a tremendous relief that dinner for your family may be just as close as your nearby swamp or river bank.
Nutria can specifically be found along the Gulf Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Southeastern United States. Its exact population, though, is unknown.
The rat-like behemoth is larger than a muskrat and smaller than a beaver — two animals they're often mistaken for. They can weigh anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds.
Sounds delicious, right?
So put to rest any worries you may have about being able to feed your family amid ongoing inflation.
Giant swamp rat. It's what's for dinner!
But the government already recommends having your deer carcass tested for prion disease.
So it doesn’t make sense that they would not advocate eating coyotes after testing the carcass. I’ve heard of places out west where the government recommends eating the larger forms of wild cats.
The other side of the coin is coyotes viciously murder pet cats and dogs.
Knowing this, what conclusion might we come to?
Don’t their coats make pretty fair fur coats?
Yes, that ‘s why they were imported here in the first place, then the market went away............
Dinner!......................
i have an old maryland cookbook that has recipes that date back to the 1600’s...
those were brave people back then...
They’re not a problem in Florida. The Burmese pythons eat them right up.
ROUSes.*
*Rodents of Unusual Size.
It happened at a private, after hours party. I didn't dive that particular party, though I dove for such events pretty often, as they were fun.
It wasn't the round Plexiglass "window" in the floor which collapsed, but the catwalk over the water; part of the (very nicely) simulated oil rig. About 1-2 dozen guests, and staff, were on it as part of a behind the scenes tour, and it gave way. Had to be a might scary for them, though I have no doubt that the sharks immediately bolted to the other end of the exhibit.
From what I understand, it was a structural fiberglass support that failed. Apparently that material has a grain to it, and had been installed wrong, with the grain running vertically. Under a heavier than normal load, and after years in service, it sheared.
I never heard anything about any injuries, though I'm sure it was quite exciting there for a couple of minutes!
I had forgotten that. Thanks.
I saw one of these while canoeing over the weekend.
Especially if you are hungry, like really hungry.
i knew someone who worked in the french quarter who saw a nutria head in a freezer in a bar/restaurant many decades ago.
I personally had a burger there that had a meat unlike anything I ever had anywhere else. looking back, I wonder.
I ate a lot of squirrel growing up. I suppose a rodent is a rodent.
But I won’t be eating this, unless it’s with a side dish of ivermectin. Imagine the parasites.
Make Nutria Great Again.
Did it have a bit of a bite to it.😁
Agreed on getting folks out hunting. I wonder what the fine is for shooting a muskrat or beaver which they are often mistaken for?
At least with trout fishing one can take some time to ID them before they put them in the cooler. Or just release all of them to play it safe.
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