It kind of appears like a beaver however with out the lovable tail. Its tooth are a bit extra garish and orange, however large simply the identical. And its webbed ft make it a wonderful swimmer. Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the nutria, a big semi-aquatic rodent, can also be relatively scrumptious. And so they’d actually, actually find it irresistible in case you began consuming extra of them.

In late February, the federal government workplace launched a brand new marketing campaign aimed toward encouraging extra individuals to attempt the nutria’s gamey meat to assist cut back the inhabitants of this invasive species.

“EAT ME! Please? I am invasive and scrumptious,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wrote in a Fb publish that additionally invited individuals to hunt nutria for his or her subsequent meal. “It is Nationwide Invasive Species Consciousness Week, and this yr, please contemplate the next slogan: ‘Save a Swamp, Sauté a Nutria.'” 

Because the Fish and Wildlife Service defined, the animal is just not native to the U.S. Reasonably, it was introduced right here for its fur however escaped captivity someday within the Nineteen Forties, shortly populating southern states. “Their nonstop munching and burrowing destroy the vegetation that hold marshes steady, resulting in erosion, lack of habitat, and wetlands that resemble one thing out of a catastrophe film,” it acknowledged.

And apparently, probably the greatest methods to cut back this damaging inhabitants is to show them into dinner. 

“Their meat has been in comparison with rabbit and even the darkish meat of a turkey,” the company mentioned. “In case your state has nutria, examine your native laws to see the foundations for tips on how to hunt, seize, after which in the end, prepare dinner these nuisance critters.” 

However is it a good suggestion? 

“Sure — nevertheless, there are specific limitations,” Shana Wiltshire, a Southern delicacies advocate and company caterer, shared with Meals & Wine. “Nutria is lean, protein-rich, low in fats, and nutritionally corresponding to rabbit or venison. Nonetheless, meals security considerations (equivalent to environmental toxins) should be addressed primarily based on how and the place it’s gathered.” 

Some warning extra strongly in opposition to it.

“From a well being viewpoint, wild nutria are hazardous. These semi-aquatic rodents can carry many pathogens, equivalent to leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and tularemia — illnesses that may also be transmitted to people via varied routes apart from consuming or dealing with wild nutria,” shared Neal Ok. Shah, CEO of CareYaya Well being Applied sciences.

“Ingestion of uncooked or undercooked wild nutria might definitely expose an individual to any diseases the animal has,” Shah mentioned. “Even direct contact with a wholesome wild nutria might contain some threat if the animal had been to chunk. About half of all wild mammals carry some sort of zoonotic (animal-to-human) illness.” 

However in case you’re prepared to take the chance, Wiltshire says it may be pleasant in a number of methods: “Braising, stewing, or sluggish roasting successfully deliver out tenderness and taste. It may be utilized in gumbo, ragouts, and even tacos when appropriately seasoned.”

And, as Wiltshire defined, consuming meats like nutria is an important a part of the Southern meals expertise. “Consuming wild wildlife is a Southern custom,” she mentioned. “From frog legs and gator tails to raccoons and possums, these meals have traditionally performed important roles in meals safety, cultural identification, and environmental stability. Just like how deer searching helps regulate deer populations, encouraging nutria consumption may very well be a sustainable and culturally applicable methodology.”