RadRats (Swamp Rats) Have Entered 2020
As if the tumultuous year of 2020 needed additional help in the WTF department, rodents of unusual size (R.O.U.S.) have been spotted in Krauss Baker Park in Fort Worth, Mission County Park, and Padre Park in Texas, along the San Antonio River Walk, according to KSAT local news.
Okay, not Radrats but…
Though similar in size to the giant, scary Radrats of Fallout 76, swamp rats are not ravenous flesh eaters. Swamp rats or nutria came to the U.S. in the 1930s and reside mostly in swampy, marshy areas throughout Texas. Though swamp rats are active year-round in Texas, it is uncommon for swamp rats to gather in such large hordes, as they have been spotted lately. The reason for their gatherings? Urban Wildlife Biologist Rachel Richter from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says the reason for such large gatherings in public places is that well-meaning visitors are feeding them.
Nutria, the semi-aquatic, beaver-sized R.O.U.S., are herbivores. They may be huge, but are not quite a threat to humans. Swamp rats are a threat to other life forms in another way; they consume 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 pounds of vegetation on the San Antonio riverbank each day, which causing erosion over time, destroying the habit of other wildlife and contaminating water sources for humans, as they carry parasites and pathogens that could be deposited into the water and infect humans.
The San Antonio River Authority hires specialized pest control to trap the swamp rats along the river. Once they are caught, they are euthanized in accordance with TPWD regulations.
Did anyone else have radrats on their 2020 bingo card? Just me?
