Semi Aquatic
Semi Aquatic
Beavers
Beavers are aquatic mammals that fall in the rodent family. The creatures are responsible for around $100 million in damage each year in the Southeast. They're attracted to any area that maintains enough water for them, which typically means they're found near lakes, rivers, and creeks. They build dams by pulling bark and twigs off trees and other plants. Those dams can divert water and cause flooding, wiping out crops and gardens, and causing water damage to entire neighborhoods or shopping centers. If they happen to find their way near your home or business, they'll gnaw at any wood they can reach. That often means decks and porches come under attack, and have their structural integrity compromised. Trapping a beaver is difficult. The Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Department of Mississippi State University
says trapping a beaver and working to remove its dams should only be carried out by a licensed professional.
Muskrats
Muskrats
are medium-sized, semi-aquatic rodents often found near rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes.
They have colossal incisors that they use to burrow and forage. They're known to inflict significant damage on crops and garden vegetables. In the water, they also go after crawfish, mussels, and other animals that humans harvest. They can tear through the habitat with such destruction that the restoration process often takes years.
Though muskrats will typically not run up and attack out of nowhere, they do become aggressive during the breeding season, clawing, scratching, and biting to getaway. Unfortunately, in Mississippi, they breed year-round. They will also strike if they feel cornered or startled. If you do come in contact with a muskrat, you're at a high risk of tularemia. That bacterial disease can be transmitted either through contaminated water, an open cut, or infected meat. Muskrats also spread ringworm, tapeworm, ticks, and mites.
Otters
The North American River Otter
was almost extinct at one point but has since spiked its population back up. They're particularly common now along stretches of the Mississippi River and share that habitat with humans. They have an extremely fast metabolism and hunt down things like crawfish, frogs, fish, and even some small mammals. Although otters may seem playful and adorable, they can do major damage. They have strong jaw muscles, and if they land a bite on you, you'll be bound for the hospital. Those bites are a problem because of how deep they are and because of the bacteria carried in their teeth. They can transmit
the bacteria that cause rabies and Valley Fever, as well as many parasites, fungi, and zoonotic viruses.
They mark their territory on plants by urinating or defecating to leave their scent behind. That puts humans at risk, as that fecal matter and urine can spread diseases as well.
