BAY ST. LOUIS (AP) — Thousands of dead nutria have washed ashore on Hancock County beaches during Isaac.

Hancock County officials say they are concerned that the nutria — large semiaquatic rodents — could create a health and environmental hazard.

Waveland Mayor David Garcia said that he expects more nutria to float into shore over the next several days.

Officials with the Department of Environmental Quality say so far they’ve counted more than 5,000 dead nutrias on Hancock County beaches, but they say that number could top 10,000 before they all finish washing ashore.

Hancock County faced a similar Nutria problem after Hurricane Gustav.

Officials have asked the state for help with removal and disposal.