Also called the River cat or the Coypu, Nutrias are an invasive species of large rodents that have 4 subspecies, each being considered as pest throughout most of its range.

Scientific Name – Myocastor coypus

Classification – Myocastor

Gender Names – Male – buck; Female – doe; Baby – pup, pinkie, kitten

Collective Noun – Horde, mischief

Length/Size – 40–60 cm (16–24 in)

Weight – 4–9 kg (8.8–19.8 lb)

Life Expectancy – 6.5 years; up to 12 in captivity

Gestation Period – 130 days

Special Features – 3 unique features are a white patch on the muzzle, webbed hind feet, and large, bright orange-yellow incisors

Social Structure – Social animals and often live in large colonies, reproducing frequently

Geographical Distribution – Subtropical and temperate South America

Natural Habitat – Live in burrows alongside stretches of water

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Diet – Mostly river plant stems but also carnivorous foods

Predators – Humans, alligators, garfish, bald eagles and other birds of prey, turtles, snakes, and some carnivorous mammals