Mirror, Mirror…

Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle

I’m the Fairest of them all!

I first thought this animal was a beaver. Turned out it was a Nutria (also known as Coypu). It is related to the beaver in that they are both rodents.

Wikipedia describes the nutria as “A large herbivorous, semi-aquatic rodent.”

At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, we saw more animals and birds in our sub-development than ever before.

Roseate spoonbills, blue herons — even a bald eagle. The lake was filled with turtles of the painted and spiny softshell variety, catfish, and the occasional alligator gar.

And, of course, nutria.

The nutria is a native of South America and was brought over to the United States in 1889 by fur farmers. When the demand for fur dried up by the 1940s, ranchers released thousands of these animals into the wild.

They now enjoy the dubious distinction of being tagged an “invasive species” by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Although they devour weeds, they also feast on cultivated crops and native aquatic plants.

I watched two baby nutrias emerge from their burrows in the swampy area bordering our lake. They slid into the water and swam for a bit. Then they hauled out and dried themselves on the grass.

Nutrias are considered threats to flood control measures because they burrow into levees and river banks.

I know — Nutria bad!

But all I could think of when I looked at the babies was: They didn’t ask to be brought here.

Thanks to Mary Chang Story Writer for publishing my story. And for her Fun publication!

To my readers: Thank you!

If you liked this story about animals, you might enjoy the one below:

Or this haiku: