Yes, rodents of unusual size really do exist

By Angela Johnston

Published October 24, 2018 at 5:10 PM PDT

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Poster image for the documentary Rodents of Unusual Size.

Courtesy of filmmakers Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer

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Thomas Gonzales defending Delacroix Island, Louisiana from the invasion of nutria.

Courtesy of filmmakers Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer

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Nutria, also known as a swamp rat, is a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America. After being introduced to Louisiana its destructive feeding behaviors have made this invasive species a scourge of the swamp.

Courtesy of filmmakers Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer

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Nutria tail assessor, John Siemion, submits the necessary information to the state so that the hunters and trappers can redeem their $5.00 per tail bounty.

Courtesy of filmmakers Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer

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Cree McCree designs new fashion for Righteous Fur, her organization that is promoting nutria fur as a stylish way to save the wetlands.

Courtesy of filmmakers Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer

"Wesley, what about the R-O-U-Ses?" "Rodents of unsual size? I don't think they exist." —From The Princess Bride

Spoiler alert: they do.

No, really, those particular rats from the fairytale may not exist, but their likeness to a real rodent has inspired biologists in Louisiana, and a group of Bay Area filmmakers. Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer, and Quinn Costello spent years making a documentary about nutria and their devastating effect on the Southern Louisiana landscape.

KALW’s Angela Johnston interviewed Quinn about his documentary “Rodents of Unusual Size.”

The documentary is playing Thursday, October 25 in San Rafael at the Rafael Film Center.

Yes, rodents of unusual size really do exist

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