Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents from South America. In the United States where they were originally imported for the fur industry, they are an invasive species. Despite their pest status, there are many interesting things about them. So here are some of the best nutria pictures to help show you just how unique they are.

What is a nutria?

Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents from South America. In the United States where they were originally imported for the fur industry, they are an invasive species. Despite their pest status, there are many interesting things about them. So here are some of the best nutria pictures to help show you just how unique they are.

Why are nutria fur coats so popular?

Because nutria are an invasive species in the United States coats made from these pests are considered to be more socially acceptable than farm-raised furs. In contrast to the light-colored animal in the nutria picture below, in the fur industry, the darker shades of nutria fur are considered the most valuable.

What is the difference between a nutria and a beaver?

Unlike both beavers and muskrats, the nutria tail is covered in hair. The nutria is known for having a few unique features. One of them is the distinct white patch on its muzzle which can clearly be seen in this and many other nutria pictures. Its orange teeth and webbed back feet are two other distinguishing physical characteristics.

What happens to baby nutria when they are born?

Unlike many other species, when baby nutria are born their eyes are open and they are full-furred. They can actually feed on vegetation right alongside adults within only a few hours after their birth. Young nutria will nurse from their mother for seven or eight weeks. While nutria can move well on land they are really at home in the water.

The nutria ( Myocastor coypus ), a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, was originally brought to the United States in 1889 for its fur. When the nutria fur market collapsed in the 1940s, thousands of nutria escaped or were released into the wild by ranchers who could no longer afford to feed and house them.

Are nutria an invasive species?

While nutria devour weeds and overabundant vegetation, they also destroy native aquatic vegetation, crops, and wetland areas. Recognized in the United States as an invasive wildlife species, nutria have been found in at least 20 States and most recently in California.

How many nutria are in California?

Confirmed detections of nutria in California can be viewed in the nutria detection map (PDF) (opens in new tab) . As of May 13, 2021, 2,412 nutria have been taken in California, with several additional animals confirmed present, across Merced, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Fresno, Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Madera Counties.

Does CDFW report nutria?

; the majority of nutria reports received by CDFW have been muskrats, as have been some “nutria” featured in the media. Any nutria taken on private or public land should be reported to CDFW as soon as possible for purposes of delineating the extent of the infestation.