The Marsh Muncher

  Before dawn, I could stand it no longer.  I had to get to the pier.  With the old dog wanting to go but just not able to walk the boards, I have been avoiding the area.  It makes me sad that he can no longer make it to the end of the pier without falling.  But this morning, the water (or lack thereof) called and I heeded that call.  As to not make him miserable, I left the dog in bed and slipped out the back door.  He snoozed through my whole absence.  I had my break and was able to soak in a bit of Bayou atmosphere!

  I quietly padded down the hill on the rain-soaked pine straw.  This muffled my footsteps.  None of the Bayou critters even knew I was within a few feet of them.  Not that they would care as the critters already know that I mean them no harm.  Reaching the end of the pier, I became fully aware of the strong north wind that was sending chills through my body even though I had on a heavy jacket.  That very same wind had pushed the water far from the shore exposing the mudflats.  As I stood on the pier breathing in the scent of the saltwater, my ears suddenly picked up an unusual sound.  It was a sort of dragging yet flapping noise.  Slowly turning toward the sound, a dark figure could be seen making its way along the marsh edge.  Though not able to distinguish the type, I could tell that this critter was familiar with the marsh and mud.  Perhaps an otter?  Maybe a raccoon?  Or a nutria?  The latter was correct.  A lone mama nutria rat was easing her way toward my brother's pier.  I watched as she slid along on the mud with her tail occasionally slapping against the mud.  Once there, she immediately turned and retraced her steps through the soft mud.  She was coming straight for me!  Once she was within six feet of me, I asked her if she was enjoying her morning as much as I was.  Mama Nutria paused for a moment, eyed me carefully then went along her way.

  Although the nutria or coypu are quite destructive critters when it comes to the health of the marsh, it seems as if the alligators are doing a good job keeping them in check.  Ten years ago, dozens of the critters were living in the marsh here and were eating the marsh roots.  Their dining habits were leaving huge bare spots. Now, however, there seems to be just one or two.   This little mama gave birth to a pair of pups last spring but soon lost them. I have yet to see another family make an appearance.  Now there is talk that the Department of Marine Resources is considering removing most of the gators.  Big mistake!  Wake up, folks.  You remove the gators and the nutrias will soon overtake the area and the marshes will disappear.  Lets keep those gators right where they are and let them keep the marsh muncher numbers to a minimum.  I love watching the nutrias but not to the point of losing the very marsh that makes up the Bayou.