Scientists urge people to consume swamp rodents, questioning why nutria have fallen out of favor.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued an intriguing call: experts are urging Americans to become nature defenders and start consuming rodent-sized creatures, as reported by Popular Science.

This expert appeal is part of the agency's annual National Invasive Species Week, during which various non-native animals that harm local ecosystems across the country are highlighted. Experts also recommend focusing on nutria—herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammals that resemble a cross between a giant rat and a beaver. Interestingly, the agency has employed a rather straightforward slogan: "Save the swamp, fry a nutria!"

It is known that nutria originate from South America and were first introduced to Louisiana in the 1930s in an effort to meet the demands of the fur industry. By the early 1940s, damage caused by hurricanes had destroyed nutria farms and allowed these voracious and rapidly reproducing animals to escape into the wild, where females typically give birth to two litters of young each year.

On average, an adult nutria can weigh up to 9 kg and can consume vegetation equal to its own weight every day, year-round. As a result, local communities have faced the destruction of vast areas of coastal wetlands. Researchers also note that the scale of damage from this invasive species literally affects everything around it: from the nature of flooding to agriculture and public health.

Fortunately, experts have managed to reduce the damage caused by nutria in the region. However, the animals still pose a problem, especially if scientists loosen their control. Today, these rodents also create issues along the Atlantic coast and in some parts of California.

It is worth noting that rodents are not a staple food for humans; however, they can be prepared in various ways depending on preferences. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service experts also report that nutria meat is lean, tender, and tastes similar to rabbit meat.

Interestingly, there are even entire cookbooks dedicated to preparing nutria dishes. A book titled "Nutria for Home Use" was published in 1963 and included numerous nutria recipes, including casseroles and stews.

However, scientists remind us that, as with any game, it is important to properly prepare the meat to avoid contamination.