Two species, mammal and bird, co-existing peacefully: I was at the wetlands today and observed some interesting behavior between a nutria and some American Coots.

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

I was at the wetlands today and observed some interesting behavior between a nutria and some American Coots.

Two American Coots hanging around a feeding Nutria

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The Nutria would dip underwater and come up with the white part of these reeds

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This Coot was right in the face of the Nutria. I think he was saying "Hey buddy, would you share some?"

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And there you go. A piece breaks off and the Coot gets a bite. "Thanks for sharing pal, you can reach underwater a lot farther than I can!"
And there you go. A piece breaks off and the Coot...

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robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

The Nutria being so much larger also stirs up the minnows, insects etc. which are part of the Coots' diet.

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

robertjerl wrote:

The Nutria being so much larger also stirs up the minnows, insects etc. which are part of the Coots' diet.

I could certainly see that happening. I think we are being overrun with Nutria. I've seen about 15 this week at two refuges. Almost tripped over two of them today walking a trail. A harmful non-native species.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

MtManMD wrote:

I could certainly see that happening. I think we are being overrun with Nutria. I've seen about 15 this week at two refuges. Almost tripped over two of them today walking a trail. A harmful non-native species.

They were brought to the US from South America in the late 19th century to raise for fur - beaver were almost gone and raising was easier than trapping anyway. Then they started escaping and are now established in at least 20 states.

They are edible, if people get past the part of them being rodents. In Louisiana, the Cajun cooking style makes use of them today. Also, the pet food industry.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

MtManMD wrote:

I was at the wetlands today and observed some interesting behavior between a nutria and some American Coots.

Great set of images!!

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

robertjerl wrote:

They were brought to the US from South America in the late 19th century to raise for fur - beaver were almost gone and raising was easier than trapping anyway. Then they started escaping and are now established in at least 20 states.

They are edible, if people get past the part of them being rodents. In Louisiana, the Cajun cooking style makes use of them today. Also, the pet food industry.

That's interesting. Sorta like the introduction of rabbits to Australia and beaver in Alaska where they're now overrunning the country. With climate change making grass fed beef less and less sustainable, we should consider these new food sources that are apparently happy with the new environment. Not that commercial beaver farming is likely.

mindzye Loc: WV

robertjerl wrote:

They were brought to the US from South America in the late 19th century to raise for fur - beaver were almost gone and raising was easier than trapping anyway. Then they started escaping and are now established in at least 20 states.

They are edible, if people get past the part of them being rodents. In Louisiana, the Cajun cooking style makes use of them today. Also, the pet food industry.

The Cajuns eat almost anything and everything. But their creole way of cooking makes almost all of it tasty, and some downright delicious.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good set, Monte.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Beautiful work!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Fun set nicely shot

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

robertjerl wrote:

They were brought to the US from South America in the late 19th century to raise for fur - beaver were almost gone and raising was easier than trapping anyway. Then they started escaping and are now established in at least 20 states.

They are edible, if people get past the part of them being rodents. In Louisiana, the Cajun cooking style makes use of them today. Also, the pet food industry.

Very true.

Folks in the US eat beaver, muskrat, squirrel & rabbit and they are all rodents.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

fourlocks wrote:

That's interesting. Sorta like the introduction of rabbits to Australia and beaver in Alaska where they're now overrunning the country. With climate change making grass fed beef less and less sustainable, we should consider these new food sources that are apparently happy with the new environment. Not that commercial beaver farming is likely.

Even if the "climate change" formerly "global warming" keeps up (the climate goes in cycles, looooooooooooooooonnngggg cycles, with frequent reverses, interruptions etc.) that just means the proper climate for grassland/prairies suitable for raising cattle or other grazing animals just shifts north (warmer climate) or south (cooler climate). So those grasslands and cattle ranching move into Canada or down to Mexico. But there is still grass fed beef etc. as soon as the land owners figure out the change and start ranching or growing hay and corn for feed lot raising of the animals. Few beef cattle are raised totally on grass, in fall and winter when the grass browns or gets buried by snow the animals are fed hay or a mixture of feed that may be hay and or corn, etc.

Bubalola Loc: Big Apple, NY

MtManMD wrote:

I was at the wetlands today and observed some interesting behavior between a nutria and some American Coots.

Love’em, Man!

AviRoad Loc: Westchester County, NY

What a great set!