Nutria

Description

Nutria Distribution Map (USGS)

Nutria

• Myocastor coypus
• A large rodent from South America; grows to 15-20 lbs, 25 inches in length
• Originally introduced for fur farms
• Degradation of habitat, destruction to agricultural crops and damage to infrastructure is well documented in areas where nutria have become established
• Feeding habits make them extremely destructive to marsh vegetation
• Eat up to 25% of their body weight per day
• Populations grow rapidly, reproduce frequently (2-3 times annually) and mature early (4 to 6 months old)