The Nutria is a large, South American semi-aquatic rodent introduced to North America for the fur trade that has become highly invasive in Gulf Coast marshes and Mid-Atlantic wetlands. Its voracious feeding habits devastate native marsh vegetation, converting productive wetlands to open water in a process called 'eat-outs.' Orange-stained front teeth are a distinctive and unusual feature of this species.
Best time to see a Nutria
The best time to see a Nutria is January–June, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,985 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Nutria? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Nutria sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Nutria? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Nutria is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love mammals? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.