SciencePhoto: HT World2025 DNA Study Links California Nutria Invasion to Oregon Population
In 2017, nutria reappeared in California after being declared eradicated in 1978. A 2025 genetic study found California's nutria population closely related to invasive nutria in central Oregon, suggesting a recent introduction and rapid spread. The invasion threatens Central Valley wetlands and agriculture by damaging vegetation and causing erosion. Researchers analyzed 6,809 genetic markers from 267 California nutria and compared them with populations from several states.
HT World··Gustine


