Can You Eat Marsh Rats?

A marsh rat is a rodent that lives in marshes and other wet areas. They are small and dark-colored, and their fur is thick. They have a varied diet of plant matter, fungi, and animal matter. This rodent has three to five young, which are born in summer. In the wild, the marsh rat will live for about a year.

Studies on marsh rat behavior and diet have been conducted by various researchers. Some researchers have published articles on their behavior. For example, one study published in the Journal of Mammalogy examined the habits of marsh rice rats. Another article by the same author published in the same journal described the behavior of these rodents in marsh areas of southern Illinois.

This semi-aquatic rodent is also called a nutria and is native to South America. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries once attempted to sell this meat as “ragondin.” Despite their unappetizing appearance, many people enjoy the taste of marsh rat meat.

There are several subspecies of marsh rice rat. In addition to the marsh rice rat, there is the cotton rat and the Oryzomys couesi. While these are related species, the rice rat has been known to transmit the virus to humans when it comes into contact with human excreta.