‘Report these pests’: Virginia residents encouraged to report nutria sightings

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Nutrias, an invasive species in the commonwealth, have been seen damaging the habitat in the Virginia wetlands. The Virginia Nutria Eradication Project is now calling on the public to help report these pests.

Nutrias look similar to muskrats or beavers, but they have certain distinctions. They have large, orange teeth. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states that nutrias have long, round, sparsely haired tails, while beavers' tails are wide and flattened.

A pair of nutria (Myocastor coypus) resting in pine straw. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), these rodents have been expanding their range, spreading in waterways north and west from the Virginia Beach area.

DWR is asking anyone who spots a nutria to report it by calling 1-855-571-9003 or going to the Report a Nutria website.

For more information, read the DWR's blog about nutrias at their website.