A semi-aquatic rodent that once appeared on Tucker Carlson's Fox News show and amassed tens of thousands of online followers has died of cancer in Louisiana. Neuty the nutria, a beaver-like creature kept as a pet by Denny and Myra Lacoste, passed away after a battle with the disease. The announcement came Monday on Instagram, where more than 37,000 users followed the account dedicated to Neuty's life.
The fight to keep a wild rodent as a pet
The Lacostes, a couple from Louisiana, successfully fought wildlife authorities to keep Neuty domesticated. Nutria are large, invasive rodents native to South America that have spread across the southern United States, where they are often considered pests. State wildlife officials initially challenged the couple's right to keep the animal, but the Lacostes prevailed, allowing Neuty to live in their home rather than being trapped or euthanized. The case drew local attention because nutria are typically seen as a nuisance species that damage wetlands and crops. For the Lacostes, however, Neuty was a beloved companion.
A cable news star and social media sensation
Neuty's fame grew beyond Louisiana after appearing on Tucker Carlson's Fox News program. The segment introduced the nutria to a national audience, and the Lacostes continued to share updates on social media. The Instagram account, which documented Neuty's daily life, attracted more than 37,000 followers. Fans followed along as the rodent swam, ate, and interacted with the couple. The outpouring of condolences after Neuty's death reflected how deeply the animal had connected with people who saw it as more than just a wild creature.
Why locals cared about a nutria
In Louisiana, nutria are often viewed as a problem. They were introduced decades ago for fur farming and later escaped or were released, causing ecological damage. The Lacostes' legal battle to keep Neuty as a pet challenged the usual narrative. For many residents, Neuty became a symbol of the unexpected bonds that can form between humans and animals, even those considered invasive. The couple's victory over wildlife authorities and Neuty's subsequent fame turned a local curiosity into a story with national reach.
Neuty's death marks the end of a remarkable chapter for the Lacostes and their followers. The animal's journey from a contested pet to a cable news personality and social media star shows how an ordinary creature can become extraordinary through human care and attention.
