'Invasive and delicious'

'Invasive and delicious': The federal government is begging people to eat this massive, harmful rodent species

The nutria is one of five edible creatures that conservationists are hoping hunters will help eradicate.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is urging Americans to fill their bellies with invasive species that are wreaking havoc on habitats across the country.

As part of its National Invasive Species Awareness Week, which ends Friday, the agency released a list of five invasive creatures that they’re encouraging people to hunt and eat as a way to protect native species.

“Some of the biggest ecological nightmares are critters that don’t belong here,” the USFWS wrote in a public advisory released late last week. “Invasive species outcompete native wildlife, destroy habitats, and mess up ecosystems. But rather than just complaining about them, let’s put them on the menu.”
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On the menu
Government conservationists are hoping that the appeal of a tasty meal might encourage local hunters to help support their anti-nutria campaign. The USFWS describes nutria meat as lean and mild, with a flavor similar to “rabbit or even the dark meat of a turkey.”

A cookbook published in 1963 lists nearly two dozen nutria recipes, including Chicken Fried Nutria and Macaroni-Nutria Casserole. The state of Louisiana has even shared a recipe for Smoked Nutria and Andouille Sausage Gumbo.

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