Would You Eat These Invasive Texas Swamp Rats?

Dig in! According to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, These massive rodents are free for the taking, well, free for the cooking, that is.

In a recent Facebook post, they declared the Nutria, a wetland-loving oversized rodent, an invasive species in Texas. The best way to cut down on their population and harmful impact on the environment? Pop 'em on the grill!

Fish and Wildlife also mention that their meat is "lean, mild, and tastes like rabbit," if this helps persuade your decision...

Texas Parks and Wildlife also joined in on the action by providing a short guide on how to tell nutria apart from beavers:

Why are Nutria So Harmful in Texas?

These rotund rats were first brought over from South America during the fur trade as early as 1899. By 1940, their population heavily spread from their original states of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

What caused this sudden growth of their environment? Well, ignorant consumers! According to Texas Invasives, Nutria were sold as natural weed-cutters to Americans who were not aware of the harm they bring to native ecosystems.

You see, Nutria are called 'invasive' for multiple reasons. First, they weren't originally a part of the natural habitats of Texas and other southern states. This means that the food chain and ecosystems are negatively impacted by their presence.

Nutria have a habit of burrowing where they shouldn't, causing erosion in some areas. Also, they like to eat various aquatic vegetation that others in the food chain depend on for survival.

Throw in the fact that nutria are responsible for over $1 million in property damage, and you've got yourself dinner plans for the next month!

One final thing...

If you're curious about what invasive species the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department deems "most unwanted", you can check out their full list here!