Photo: Ken Taylor (Enlarge photo)
Scientific Name: Myocaster coypus bonariensis Classification: Game Abundance: Locally abundant 2020 Nutria Range Expansion Map
Species Profile (PDF)
Juvenile nutria (Chris Turner/NCWRC)
Nutria (Shutterstock)
Nutrias are a non-native rodent that were imported into the United States from South America in the early 1900s as a way to control noxious plant species. They live in aquatic habitats along the banks of marshes, swamps, and impoundments, and beaver ponds in areas of eastern North Carolina. They are primarily herbaceous and feed on the roots and rhizomes of aquatic marsh plants. Cord grasses, cattails, three square, and pickerel weed are some favorites. Nutrias may also feed on agricultural crops such as rice, corn, and cabbage.
They are larger than a muskrat but smaller than a beaver. They have small eyes and ears, well developed whiskers, and large dark orange protruding incisors. The tail is long, rounded, and almost hair-less. The fore legs are small and the front feet have five un-webbed toes, one of which is claw-less and reduced in size. The hind legs are much larger and four of the five clawed toes on each hind foot are webbed. The fur is coarse and ragged and may vary in color from yellowish brown to dark brown. The chin is often white and the belly is pale gray. Learn more by reading the Nutria wildlife profile.
Hunting Regulations
Trapping Regulations
Nutrias live in aquatic habitats along the banks of marshes, swamps, and impoundments, and beaver ponds in areas of eastern North Carolina. They are primarily herbaceous and feed on the roots and rhizomes of aquatic marsh plants. Cord grasses, cattails, three square, and pickerel weed are some favorites. Nutrias may also feed on agricultural crops such as rice, corn, and cabbage.Large floating platforms of vegetation as much as 5-6 feet across are often constructed for feeding activities. High populations of nutrias are capable of converting marsh habitat into open water.
Nutria Species Profile (PDF)
2020 Nutria Range Expansion Map (PDF)