Nutria
Larger than a muskrat, but smaller than a beaver, nutria also are known as swamp rats. About 2 feet long, the nutria has webbed hind feet for swimming and can swim long distances underwater when evading predators or capture.
They live in burrows around lakes, rivers, brackish marshes, bayous and rivers. Native to South America, they were introduced to the United States in 1889 for their fur. They’re still trapped for fur, but their populations have increased as the fur market has decreased.
Nutria are established in 16 states and have been spotted in six other states, their range is increasing at a rather rapid rate. Link to more.
April 28, 2006 6:35 AM | Category: Animals