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Distinguishing Features: Nutria are brown in color. They have a long tail which is rounded, scaly and sparsely haired. The muzzle and chin are white and the ears and eyes are small. The incisors are large and dark orange, protruding beyond the lips. The four inner toes of the hind feet are webbed.

Similar Species: The muskrat, Odantara zibethicus which is smaller and has a vertically flattened tail, higher than it is wide. The beaver, Castor canadensis which is larger and has a large horizontally flattened tail 

Biology: Nutria are aquatic South American rodents active primarily at night (Chabreck, 1962). Over their native range they are extensively trapped for their fur (Gorostiague and Regidor, 1993). Although they are generally found in freshwater habitats, populations inhabiting brackish and salt waters are known (Nowak, 1991). They generally live in pairs, however, the presence of many animals in a favorable habitat may give the impression of colonial living (Nowak, 1991). Gosling (1994) reported nutria to be polygynous. Wild individuals rarely live more than 3 years, captive individuals may live 6 - 7 years with reports of some captive individuals living as many as 10 years

Reproduction and Fecundity: Males are larger than females. Gosling in Doncaster and Micol (1988) reported full grown males to be 15% heavier than females. Breeding occurs throughout the year (Whitaker, 1988; Dagault and Saboureau, 1990; Gosling, 1994). Nutria may reach sexual maturity as young as four months of age, but typically they mature at eight months of age (Lowery, 1974). Nests are made with plant materials and consist of burrows dug into the river bank, or alternatively nests are made in the burrows of other animals, such as in the lodges of beavers and muskrats. Courtship includes a good deal of chasing, fighting and biting. Males use specialized anal scent glands, which become more developed from October through December, to mark their territories (Gosling, 1994). Gestation lasts approximately 130 days, after which 1 to 11 (typically 4-6) young are born fully haired and with their eyes open (Lowery, 1974; O'Neil and Linscombe, 1977; Doncaster and Micol, 1989). Young weigh approximately 225 grams at birth (Nowak, 1991). They swim with their mother and feed on plant matter within 24 hours of birth (Whitaker, 1988). Female nutria have 4-5 pairs of nipples located on the side of their torso, which allow them to suckle their young while swimming or to stand up and watch for predators (Gingerich, 1994). The young are weaned in five to seven weeks (Lowery, 1974; O'Neil and Linscombe, 1977). Females enter estrous in as little as 24 hours after giving birth, otherwise they come into heat every 24 to 26 days, and remain in that state for 1 to 4 days.

Trophic Interactions: Nutria feed on almost any terrestrial or aquatic green plants, occassionally also consuming grains (Whitaker, 1988). Preferred plants in marsh areas include three-cornered grass, cattail, bullwhip, and alligator weed, whereas duck-weed appears to be a preferred item in swamp areas (O'Neil and Linscombe, 1977). Roots are another preferred item (Nowak, 1991). Like other rodents, their teeth are continuosly formed from the adjoining tissue throughout their life. Nutria can eat up to 25% of their body weight in plants per day (Gingerich, 1994). Where abundant they may cause severe damage to the vegetation. They often venture into crop fields, also causing considerable damage. Nutria may occupy feeding platforms (5 to 6 feet across) to rest and avoid predation (O'Neil and Linscombe, 1977; Whitaker, 1988). In a manner reminiscent of lagomorphs, nutria re-ingest their fecal pellets to digest food more completely while at rest (Whitaker, 1988).

Alligators are the main predator of adult nutria. Juveniles are prey to a wide variety of swamp animals, including turtles, gars, large snakes, and birds of prey .

Maximum Size: Nutria grow to a total length (including tail) of 140 cm, attaining a weight of 11.4 kg (25 lb) . A maximum weight of 17 kg has been reported for the species .

Distribution: Nutria are native to southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

In the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, they are established along coastal areas of all five Gulf states.

All images and text © Copyright JB Slemmer 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 - email me at 

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