nutria

Elaine

Not exactly a welcome sort of wildlife around here, but wildlife none the less! My family was walking in a local park last week when we came upon four nutria that appeared quite young. Even though they are basically big, invasive, destructive rats, we enjoyed watching them. I had my 100 macro lens on, so that's what I used. I don't get the chance to shoot critters much, so I'll take what I can get! :thumb

1


2


3

Bud1880

They're a little better looking than your average rat. You did well with what you had Elaine.

Bud

dlplumer

Well done Elaine. Never heard of these.

Elaine

Thanks, guys!

The nutria was introduced to the PNW from South America, I believe. The idea was to use it for fur, but when that didn't work out, they were released/escaped and began taking over water areas. They are very hard on vegetation and can drive out native species, so they are not well liked. Full grown, they are bigger than cats. These must have been a litter of littles.

Daver2112

Pretty cute for rats. Very nice shots by the way.

jeffmeyers

Awesome rats. I think.