The nutria (Myocastor coypus) or coypu, is a large, herbivorous, web-footed, semi-aquatic rodent originally endemic to South America found living in burrows along riverbanks, wetlands and lakeshore.
Resembling a large rat with brown coat,
nutria grows to about 40–60 cm (16–24 in) long, weighs 5-9 kg and with a 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tail.Its diet includes roots, aquatic plants and small animals like mussels and snails.