what is a nutria rat

A nutria rat, also known as a coypu, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent native to South America. It is often mistaken for a muskrat or a small beaver, as they have similar anatomies and habitats. Nutria have a stout body that appears hump-backed on land, and they have a long, skinny, hairless tail. They are typically 40-60 cm (16-24 in) in body length, with a 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) tail, and weigh between 4-9 kg (9-20 lb) . However, it is possible for nutria to weigh up to 16 to 17 kg (35 to 37 lb) . Nutria have three sets of fur, with the guard hairs on the outer coat being three inches long. They live in burrows alongside stretches of water and feed on river plant stems. Nutria have a voracious appetite for wetland plants and will eat an entire plant, including roots, bark, and all. They are considered an invasive species in many areas and can cause significant damage to native plant communities and soil structure.