Nutria are large, semi-aquatic rodents from South America, introduced to the United States for the fur trade in the late 19th century. They typically weigh 15 to 20 pounds, reaching a body length of about two feet with a tail extending 12 to 18 inches. Their appearance includes dark brown fur, webbed hind feet, and distinctive large, orange-yellow incisors. Often mistaken for beavers or muskrats, nutria are identified by their round, thinly haired, rat-like tail and long white whiskers.
Understanding Nutria Behavior
Nutria are generally shy and reclusive animals that prefer to avoid human contact. Their primary instinct when approached is to flee or hide, often by diving into water. They are well-adapted for a semi-aquatic existence, spending much time in water for food and refuge.
Nutria are primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, most active during dawn, dusk, or at night. While usually resting during the day, they may feed in daylight hours if food is scarce. Unprovoked attacks are uncommon, as their default response to perceived threats is to escape rather than confront.
When Nutria Exhibit Aggression
While generally timid, nutria can display aggressive behavior when threatened, cornered, or protecting their young. If a nutria perceives a direct threat, it may become defensive, lunging forward and attempting to strike with its front incisors. Their sharp teeth and claws can inflict serious injuries to humans and pets. Warning signs of aggression include hissing or chattering sounds, indicating discomfort or readiness to defend themselves.
Nutria mothers are protective of their offspring, which are born precocial, fully furred, with open eyes, and able to swim within hours of birth. An injured or sick nutria may also act unpredictably due to pain or disorientation. Though rare, nutria are susceptible to rabies, and an infected animal would exhibit unusual behavior, including aggression. Any bite or scratch from a wild nutria should be taken seriously due to potential disease transmission, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and various parasites.
Safe Practices Around Nutria
To ensure safety when encountering nutria, observe them from a distance. Never attempt to approach, feed, or handle these animals, as feeding them can lead to them losing their natural fear of humans and seeking handouts, which increases the risk of negative encounters. When walking pets near water bodies where nutria might be present, keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from disturbing or cornering a nutria. If a pet is bitten, immediate veterinary attention is recommended due to potential deep puncture wounds and disease transmission.
Securing trash cans and pet food outdoors can help prevent attracting nutria to residential areas. Their burrowing habits can cause significant property damage, including weakening foundations and levees. If a nutria appears injured, sick, or unusually aggressive, contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities. These authorities possess the expertise to manage such situations safely. Installing fences at least 4 feet tall with an apron buried 6 inches deep can deter nutria from entering gardens and yards.