a24f8ac4_uxent_Wildlife_Research_Center__Reference_on_Site
[Did You Know...] that a large beaver-like rodent called a Nutria has caused extensive marsh loss at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland? [Reference on Site] 
Nutria are large (8-18 lb) beaver-like rodents that are 5 to 10 times as large as our native muskrat and were accidentally introduced to Maryland in 1940's. USGS scientists at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in partnership with the state of Maryland and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are working together to study the role of nutria in the extensive loss of marsh at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding state and private wetlands. • Marsh loss was noticeable from photographs taken since the 1950's • Loss of marsh has coincided with the increase of nutria population • Nutria activity is directly contributing to marsh loss in Maryland More information...
Did you know? - Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Reference on Site