Rio Nutrias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rio Nutrias |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Ojotepo, Pajapaana |
| Other name(s) | Arroyo de las Nutrias, Rio de las Nutrias, Nutrias Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| Region | Rio Arriba County |
| City | Las Nutrias |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | North slope of Canjilón Mountain, Carson National Forest 10,544 ft (3,214 m) 36°36′10″N 106°20′20″W / 36.60278°N 106.33889°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Rio Chama 6,653 ft (2,028 m) 36°33′10″N 106°42′57″W / 36.55278°N 106.71583°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Rio Nutrias is a river in New Mexico, United States. It flows for about 35 miles (56 km) from the north side of Canjilón Mountain. This mountain is located in the Carson National Forest.
The river flows west through Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It eventually joins the Rio Chama, another river, about 3 miles (5 km) downstream from El Vado Reservoir.
What's in a Name? The History of Rio Nutrias
The name Rio Nutrias comes from old Spanish words. It means "Beavers River". This name was used a long time ago, in the 1500s and 1600s.
Back in 1776, a traveler named Francisco Silvestre Vélez de Escalante wrote in his diary. He described stopping by a stream he called "Rio de las Nutrias". He noted that even though it had flowing water, it often formed pools. He believed beavers lived and bred in these pools.
Another writer, Elliott Coues, also mentioned this in 1900. He explained that in old Spanish, nutrias could mean beavers. This shows how important beavers were to the river's history and its name.
Where Does Rio Nutrias Flow?
The Rio Nutrias flows through a small village also called Las Nutrias. You can find this village where the river crosses Highway 84.
Near its end, the river enters a narrow area called Nutrias Canyon. After flowing through this canyon for a couple of miles, it meets the Rio Chama.
It's good to know that there are other rivers with similar names. For example, there's a different Rio Nutrias that flows into the Rio San Antonio. Also, there's a Rio Nutria that joins the Zuni River. So, it's easy to get them mixed up!
Wildlife and Nature: The Beavers of Rio Nutrias
As its name suggests, the Rio Nutrias is a great home for beavers. These amazing animals, known scientifically as Castor canadensis, build dams and create ponds along the river. This makes the river a perfect place for them to live and thrive.
