Nutria

Myocastor coypus

Nutria, Myocastor coypus, are large semi-aquatic rodents native to South America and also known as coypu. They have webbed hind feet, dense brown fur, a long round tail, and bright orange incisors. Once transported widely for fur farming, they now live ferally in many wetlands outside their native range. Their feeding on roots, shoots, and marsh plants can convert stable wetland edges into open water and damaged mud flats.

Human management depends heavily on location. In many regions nutria are treated as invasive wildlife, with trapping, exclusion, population control, and wetland restoration used to protect levees, crops, marsh habitat, and native species. They are not typical companion animals, and possession may be restricted. Where animals are farmed or held under permit, secure aquatic enclosures, escape prevention, clean water, and careful handling are essential because released animals can establish quickly in suitable climates.