Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Stocktonia News recently published an article by Michael Fitzgerald about the ongoing battle against the invasive Nutria, commonly referred to as the “giant swamp rat.” This species, native to South America, was first discovered in California near Merced in 2017.
Despite its seemingly harmless appearance as a small aquatic rodent with “nacho cheese teeth,” Nutria pose significant risks. They have been known to bite humans, contaminate water with their waste, carry parasites harmful to people, and spread diseases like rabies.
The Delta has faced numerous challenges due to the Nutria invasion, yet efforts to remove these rodents have been largely unsuccessful. As our Executive Director, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, stated, “They are not doing enough.”
This leaves us to wonder, why does the state view the Delta primarily as a resource for water extraction rather than as a vital ecosystem in need of restoration, maintenance, and proper funding?
Read more here: https://bit.ly/4a9nwmR
Despite its seemingly harmless appearance as a small aquatic rodent with “nacho cheese teeth,” Nutria pose significant risks. They have been known to bite humans, contaminate water with their waste, carry parasites harmful to people, and spread diseases like rabies.
The Delta has faced numerous challenges due to the Nutria invasion, yet efforts to remove these rodents have been largely unsuccessful. As our Executive Director, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, stated, “They are not doing enough.”
This leaves us to wonder, why does the state view the Delta primarily as a resource for water extraction rather than as a vital ecosystem in need of restoration, maintenance, and proper funding?
Read more here: https://bit.ly/4a9nwmR
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Can we shoot them?
Attitude plus effort equal success
CLEAN AND DRY
CLEAN AND DRY
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
bring in some Pythons from Florida! that will take care of em!
Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Yes. You can shoot them. As long as it’s somewhere you can legally discharge a weapon. Kill ‘em all.
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Is there a map of the Delta that shows those areas?
Attitude plus effort equal success
CLEAN AND DRY
CLEAN AND DRY
Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
There is no map that I’m aware of. But generally speaking, if you’re on public property, not within 150 yards of a residence or resort, and not shooting across a public roadway, you’re legal. Of course, a person is always prohibited from negligently discharging a firearm, so common sense says know your backstop and don’t shoot toward structures, people, domestic animals, etc. If you want some reading to make your head spin and put you to sleep, the California Penal Code and Fish&Game Code address the issue.
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Can these rats eat China Mussels in the Delta. Maybe they have a purpose….other than target practice.
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Let’s Go Brandon
Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
"worst invasive species ever"......whatever.....They haven't shut down any lakes at this point.
Maybe I will pick up a breeding pair and drop them off with the rest of the swamp rats in Sacramento.
Maybe I will pick up a breeding pair and drop them off with the rest of the swamp rats in Sacramento.
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
a full grown Nutria can weigh as much as 200#s and lose their legs and grow flippers in their place they bark incessantly and eat their weight in fish every day! you must shoot them on sight!
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
birdman920 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2025 5:19 pm a full grown Nutria can weigh as much as 200#s and lose their legs and grow flippers in their place they bark incessantly and eat their weight in fish every day! you must shoot them on sight!



Attitude plus effort equal success
CLEAN AND DRY
CLEAN AND DRY
Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Just another Delta Rat!!! Little fella kind of resembles our beloved Cooch!!!!
Har Har Har
kb
Har Har Har
kb
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
In California just saying the words gun or shooting raises eyebrows strangely enough
Trying to find the legality of boating and guns is elusive
Our second amendment right that California continues to ignore is just one of many
The governing powers know what’s best for us so just don’t ask any questions.
Southern California is a great example today
Trying to find the legality of boating and guns is elusive
Our second amendment right that California continues to ignore is just one of many
The governing powers know what’s best for us so just don’t ask any questions.
Southern California is a great example today
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Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
It was my understanding that you can carry a gun on your boat to fend off pirates.
Attitude plus effort equal success
CLEAN AND DRY
CLEAN AND DRY
Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
That’s my understanding too. I’ve even heard you can wear a gun on your hip while fishing even from the bank.mark poulson wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 3:05 pm It was my understanding that you can carry a gun on your boat to fend off pirates.
Re: Giant Swamp Rat in the Delta
Yes, you can carry if you're out enjoying the outdoors. Fishing with a valid fishing license means you can carry as long as you're not in an area with different regulations. There are a few. Most cases you can have a gun on your boat or on your person. Probably the best thing to do is conceal and not let anyone else know. Too many Karen's out there that will call the PoPo if they see you with a gun.
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