Rodents pose threat

CLEAR LAKE, Wash. – Giant rodents called nutria have been spotted in Skagit County, and the state is scrambling to contain them before their numbers increase and they damage crops.

The creatures are native to South America and can weigh as much as 20 pounds. They’ve been spotted near this rural community, wildlife officials said Thursday.

Nutria were brought to the United States a century ago for their fur. Many were released into the wild when the market went sour. They are a huge problem in Louisiana, where they number in the millions and the state offers a $4-a-tail bounty.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Mike Davison said live traps have been set at the Johnson-DeBay Swan Preserve and another site where nutria have been spotted.