Nutria

*Invasive & Destructive*
Nutria cause various kinds of damage through burrowing, intense herbivory, and
carrying pathogens and parasites.
Of greater significance for the Suisun Marsh and lower Suisun Channel is the permanent damage Nutria can cause to marshes and other wetlands. In these areas, nutria feed on native plants that hold wetland soil together.
Nutria have a heavy, rat-like tail thinly covered in bristly hairs that trails smoothly
behind when swimming. Another distinguishing characteristic of nutria are long (3-5”) white whiskers
that protrude from either side of their nose and are easily seen from a distance. Beavers and muskrats
have subtle black whiskers that can only be viewed from very close.