Q: Given that the province declared nutria an invasive species on January 1, what action should anglers and hunters take if they cross paths with one? Since they are illegal to possess, should they be left where they are?
Eric Butler, Hamilton
A: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Invading Species Awareness Program Assistant Coordinator Brook Schryer responds: The species has not yet been detected in Ontario. We’ve received seven nutria reports since Jan 1st. Each of them have been misidentifications (for example, muskrats, otters, etc.).
In the event of a hypothetical detection of a nutria, we would confirm its identification, then notify partners of the detection. They would then plan a rapid response protocol that would attempt to eradicate the population. This is called “early detection and rapid response” and we’ve worked with provincial and federal partners on many similar situations in the recent years, including wild pigs, crayfishes, oak wilt, amongst many others.
If you ever see anything suspect, get some photos and give us a call at 1-800-563-7711 or email: [email protected]
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Originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
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