Nutria

Common Name:
Nutria
Scientific Name:
Myocastor coypus
Type:
Mammals
Diet:
Omnivore
Group Name:
Colony
Average Life Span In The Wild:
8 to 10 years
Average Life Span In Captivity:
Up to 10 years
Size:
Head and body: 17 to 25 inches; tail: 10 to 16 inches
Weight:
15 to 22 pounds
IUCN Red List Status:
Least concern
Current Population Trend:
Decreasing

Nutria are large, web-footed rodents that are more agile in the water than on land.

Aquatic Adaptations

They live in burrows, or nests, never far from the water. Nutria may inhabit a riverbank or lakeshore, or dwell in the midst of wetlands. They are strong swimmers and can remain submerged for as long as five minutes.

Nutria (also called coypu) are varied eaters, most fond of aquatic plants and roots. They also feast on small creatures such as snails or mussels.

Reproduction

Nutria can be rather social animals and sometimes live in large colonies, reproducing prolifically. Females have two or three litters every year, each consisting of five to seven young. These animals mature quickly and remain with their mothers for only a month or two. In some areas, booming nutria populations have become troublesome as the animals develop a taste for farm fare.

Nutria Fur

The nutria's yellow or brown outer hair looks shaggy and unappealing, but it covers a lush fur undercoat, also called nutria, that is popular for use in clothing. Nutria are farmed and trapped for this fur.

Population Range

Nutria once lived only in southern South America, but they have been domesticated as fur animals and transplanted around the world. In many areas, including Canada and more than a dozen U.S. states, fur farm escapees quickly establish large wild populations near their new homes.

This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.
This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.
Photograph by Usha K., National Geographic Your Shot

Go Further