by Sandy Harris. It can weigh up to 17 kg (37.5 pounds), although 5 to 10 kg is usual; the body measures up to 70 Rodents are known for being pests, but the nutria may be the worst of them. South America’s nutria, one of the worst invasive species in US wetlands. The most nocturnal nutria is common in the Portland area and lives easily alongside human homes. Well, I would have thought that I'd have at least heard rumors of this by now if it were actually in the planning stages! If you have problems with nutria, here are some suggestions to get rid of these pests. Legal Status. Described as “eating machines”, newborn nutria begin feeding on plants within 24 hours of birth. Nutria – An Invasive Species March 1, 2013 April 19, 2013. Nutria were intentionally brought to America for fur ranching. Nutria have populated other states after escaping from fur farms decades ago. You don't want to mess with them, however. Nutria have … Louisiana, for example, has spent millions of dollars on bounty and eradication programs with limited success. Maryland’s eastern shore has seen thousands of acres of protective marshland impacted by the nutria's destructive feeding habits. Did You Know? It is up to 25 in. Muskrats have been largely eliminated or greatly reduced where nutria have become established. The nutria has a robust body, short limbs, small eyes and ears, long whiskers, and a cylindrical, scaly tail. You can call it the Nutria, River rat or Coypu but regardless you are talking … Nutria dig into … Interesting Facts About the Nutria Rat. Nutria are aggressive competitors with the native muskrat which is smaller. Maryland’s eastern shore has seen thousands of acres of protective marshland impacted by the nutria's destructive feeding habits. We need you to answer this question! The marshes, swamps and crop fields of their new habitat provide them with an abundant food source. They eat a variety of plant matter, from roots to entire shrubs. Diet of the Nutria Rat. Where did the nutria originally come from? From 1962 to 1982, 1.3 million nutria were harvested annually for their fur from the coastal marshes. The nutria resembles a small beaver with a ratlike tail. RISKS/IMPACTS: Burrowing is the most commonly reported damage caused by nutria. Nutria (Myocaster coypus) What is it? As the state promoted nutria fur as a natural resource, efforts to manage nutria as a pest began to compete with the growing fur industry. The nutria were so omnipresent that it was shocking for Jeff Springer, who directed "Rodents" with Chris Metzler and Quinn Costello. The Nutria's original range was South America and included Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The nutria, also known as the “coypu,” is a large, semi-aquatic rodent. The nutria is much appreciated in South America for its fur and meagre meat.