Invasive Rodents With Orange Teeth Threaten California Wildlife, Rat-Like Nutria

Nutria, an invasive species of rodent, has just been discovered in a new part of California … and they’re posing a threat to humans, pets livestock and an important ecosystem.

These critters are invading the Bay Area, making their way into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in Contra Costa County … a critical source of water for the state.

Resembling beavers and growing up to 3 feet long with bright orange teeth, Nutria are known to carry parasites and tapeworms, among other nasty things … which means their pee and poop can then contaminate drinking water supplies.

Another problem Nutria pose … destroying native plants, crops and wetland areas … and weakening levies.

The swamp rats originally came to the United States from South America in 1889, when they were traded for their fur … but now they’re one of our country’s invasive species, and their presence in California is causing officials to ring the alarm.