Originally native to the wetlands of South America, this large, semi-aquatic rodent has become widely known around the world — not just for its unusual looks and water-loving habits, but also for its surprising role as both a farmed fur animal and an invasive species in many regions.
Nutrias have large, rounded bodies, coarse brown fur, and a long, skinny, rat-like tail. One of their most distinct features is their bright orange or yellowish front teeth, which they use for gnawing on vegetation and digging burrows. Their hind feet are webbed, making them strong swimmers, while their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned high on the head — allowing them to stay mostly submerged while remaining alert.
Nutrias are herbivores, feeding on aquatic plants, roots, and grasses. In their native range, they play a natural role in wetland ecosystems. But when introduced elsewhere — often through fur farming gone wrong — they have caused problems. In places like North America, Europe, and Asia, escaped or released nutria populations have damaged wetlands by overgrazing, digging extensive burrows that weaken levees and riverbanks, and outcompeting native species. As a result, they are often labeled as invasive pests, though in their natural South American habitats, they’re just another part of the ecosystem.
Despite their rat-like tails and odd appearance, nutrias are actually more closely related to porcupines and chinchillas than to rats or beavers. Another fun detail: they make a variety of chirps, grunts, and squeaks, especially between mothers and their babies. And even though they’re mostly aquatic, nutrias can travel over land surprisingly well — and even stand on their hind legs when curious or threatened.
Distribution
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Czechia
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
Paraguay
Poland
Romania
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
UruguayAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
