What is the large rat like animal in Louisiana?

nutria
The nutria is a large rodent that looks like a large rat or a beaver.

Does Louisiana still have a nutria problem?

Nutria were brought to Louisiana in the 1930s for fur farming and somehow escaped to the coastal wetlands of southern Louisiana, where they rapidly grew in population. Despite a slowed rate of coastal wetland loss in Louisiana since 2010, the U.S. has still lost about half of its wetlands over the past 200 years.

What are the giant rats in New Orleans called?

Described as a river rat or giant swamp rat, the rodent known in North America as the nutria originally came from South America, where it is called the coypu. Imported over a century ago for its fur, it has since become a native pest, causing particularly extensive damage to the banks of Louisiana swampland.

How did nutria rats end up in Louisiana?

Nutria were introduced to Louisiana in the 1930’s for commercial fur farming. After a group of 20 were purchased from a fur dealer, they were released into the marshes. One female can produce an average of a dozen offspring annually; though litter sizes can go up to 13 nutria.

Are there rats in the state of Louisiana?

But with the help of local residents, Louisiana is fighting back against this invasive species. While nutria may appear harmless and cute (if you like giant rats, that is), they’re doing considerable damage.

How big are the nutria rats in Louisiana?

Rats are wreaking havoc on Louisiana’s coastal wetlands — but these aren’t your average rats. Weighing in at up to 20 pounds, with sharp orange teeth, webbed back feet, and an appearance more like that of a beaver than a sewer rat, the nutria is quite literally chewing up Louisiana coastland.

What to do if you have a rodent infestation?

This web page offers helpful suggestions on rodent control during and after a rodent infestation. The primary strategy for preventing human exposure to rodent diseases is effective rodent control in and around the home.

What do landlords have to do about rats in Alabama?

Rats also come in as a result of leaky pipes because they are searching for water. Alabama law explicitly states that landlords must “comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a habitable condition.”