Invasive Species: The Nutria
Nutria - Cute Animal or a Problem by the Water?
Maybe you've met them too – you're sitting by the river, watching the water... and suddenly a small, fluffy "beaver" with orange teeth and a fearless gaze slowly approaches you. No, it's not a beaver, but a Nutria (also known as Coypu). They didn't used to be here at all, but today you can find them in almost all major cities – by rivers, ponds, or streams. People often feed, pet, and photograph them, but few know where Nutrias come from, what they actually eat, and why they can be a problem for nature.
In this article, I'd like to bring you some interesting facts about these animals, why we often meet them in cities, how to behave responsibly around them, and why I really shouldn't throw them bread rolls or lunch leftovers. I'll also add a few personal observations from trips where I've encountered Nutrias.
Where Do Nutrias Come From?
The Nutria (Myocastor coypus) originates from South America, where it originally lived in the wild along rivers, lakes, and marshes. It is a rodent adapted to life in the water – it is an excellent swimmer and digs burrows into the banks.
Nutrias were introduced to Europe (including Czechia) by humans. And for one reason only: for their fur. In the 20th century, Nutrias began to be bred on fur farms here and elsewhere in the world – much like minks or foxes. Nutria fur was quite sought after at the time.
However, over time, fur farms disappeared, and some Nutrias either escaped into the wild or were even deliberately released when breeding no longer made sense. And because they thrived here (having plenty of water, food, and mild winters), they began to multiply and spread rapidly.
What Does a Nutria Look Like and How Does It Live?
At first glance, you might confuse it with a Beaver or a Muskrat, but a Nutria has a few typical features by which you can recognize it:
• The body is about 40 - 65 cm long, with a tail about 30 cm long and round, not flat like a Beaver's.
• Its large orange incisors are very noticeable and look almost comical.
• It has partially webbed hind feet and is an excellent swimmer.
• You will often see it cleaning its fur or sitting like a squirrel holding food with its front paws.
The Nutria is a herbivore. In the wild, it feeds mainly on aquatic plants, grass, bark, and roots, but when people start feeding them, they will take almost anything – bread, rolls, carrots, apples, corn...
Why Are There So Many Nutrias and What Is the Problem?
In recent years, Nutrias have spread massively across the Czech Republic, especially in lowlands and city parks. People often perceive them as cute animals that let you take food from your hand, are tame, and are not afraid. But that is exactly the problem.
Nutrias have no natural enemies here, and when they have plenty of food (especially from people), they multiply rapidly. One female can have offspring up to three times a year, and easily 6 - 9 at a time. Within a few years, entire colonies are formed that can damage the environment.
Why Is It an Issue?
• Nutrias dig burrows into the banks, which undermines and destroys bank stability – risking collapses and property damage.
• They exterminate aquatic plants, which can threaten other animals.
• In some cases, they can carry diseases (e.g., leptospirosis), although normal contact isn't an immediate risk.
• It is an invasive species – an animal introduced artificially that has no natural balance in the local environment.
Although it looks cute, the Nutria does not originally belong in our nature, and its overpopulation can be a problem not only for the ecosystem but also for people.
Feeding Nutrias - Why Not Throw Bread Rolls?
Many people have good intentions – they go for a walk by the water, take old bread or rolls, and want to "feed the animals." But with Nutrias (and also swans, ducks, or fish), this often does more harm than good.
What's Wrong With That?
• Baked goods are unsuitable and unhealthy for Nutrias. It can cause digestive problems, bloating, or even the death of young who then feed on the same thing.
• When we feed Nutrias regularly, they lose their natural shyness and start to become "bold" – following people, begging, and sometimes even fighting among themselves.
• Leftover bread that remains in the water rots and pollutes the water – this can lead to oxygen deficits, cyanobacteria overgrowth, and fish kills.
• An excess of food means faster reproduction and subsequent overpopulation, further destroying the surrounding nature.
If you really want to feed Nutrias (though naturalists generally do not recommend it), then only exceptionally and with suitable food, such as carrots, apples, corn, dandelions, or hay. But ideally – don't feed them at all and just observe. Nature can handle itself.
How to Behave Around Nutrias?
Nutrias seem tame and often let themselves be fed or photographed up close. But they are still wild animals, and even though they seem peaceful, they can defend themselves – especially if they are protecting their young. They can bite, which is something you don't want to experience from a rodent with large orange teeth.
→ Therefore, a few simple rules apply:
• Do not touch them, do not pet them, do not pick up the young.
• Do not feed them baked goods or kitchen leftovers.
• Do not enter places where they have burrows – danger of falling through or disturbing the bank.
• Watch out for dogs – even if it seems nothing is happening, a Nutria can defend itself, and injuries are not uncommon.
Observe them rather from a distance, in silence. It is a much more natural experience and safer for the animal.
Conclusion - What to Take Away?
Nutrias are a special chapter of our nature – they are not native, but they have been living here for decades. It is fascinating to see them up close, watch them play in the water or feed their young. But it is important to understand that they are not pets and our interference in their lives can do more harm than good.
If you want to observe Nutrias, do it with respect for nature. And if you meet someone feeding them bread rolls, feel free to politely inform them – maybe they will think twice next time.
Help Spread Awareness - For Nature, Not For Me!
If you've read this article this far – thank you very much. But it's one thing that you know it now... and another that more people need to know about it.
→ The situation in Prague, for example, is truly serious. On Střelecký Island and in the surrounding areas, there is a large number of Nutrias, and people feed them daily with rolls, bread, and pastries – whether they are tourists or locals. This is despite the fact that some cities already warn that this is not right.
Therefore, I ask you – if this article makes sense to you, share it.
→ Send it to friends, family, acquaintances. Post it on your Instagram, Threads, or anywhere where you have people who care about nature.
It's not about sharing for me.
I also have photos of Nutrias on my Instagram – you can find them on my profile ↗ here.
Captured on June 23, 2025.
