What does a nutria rat look like? - briefly
A nutria, also known as a coypu, is a sizable semi‑aquatic rodent with brown‑gray, dense fur, a stout, barrel‑shaped body, short legs, a whiskered orange‑brown snout, and a broad, flattened tail sparsely covered with hair.
What does a nutria rat look like? - in detail
The nutria, a large semi‑aquatic rodent, possesses a robust body measuring 40–60 cm in head‑body length, with a laterally flattened tail adding another 30–45 cm. Weight typically ranges from 5 to 9 kg, reflecting its muscular build.
Fur covers the back and sides in coarse, dark brown to reddish‑gray guard hairs, each tipped with a lighter, almost white, sheen. The under‑parts display a softer, pale grey‑brown coat, providing a clear contrast with the dorsal coloration. Seasonal molting may slightly lighten the dorsal tones, but the overall pattern remains consistent.
The head features a broad, blunt muzzle equipped with continuously growing incisors that emerge orange‑brown. Eyes are relatively small, positioned high on the skull, granting a wide field of vision. Ears are rounded, hairless, and lie close to the head, measuring approximately 2–3 cm in length.
Limbs are short yet powerful. Front feet bear four toes, each ending in sharp claws adapted for digging and swimming. Hind feet contain five toes, with webbing between them that enhances propulsion in water. The tail, though not prehensile, is covered in sparse, coarse hairs and serves as a rudder during swimming.
Distinctive traits include:
- A pronounced, laterally flattened tail that functions as a stabilizer in aquatic environments.
- A dense, water‑repellent coat that sheds excess moisture.
- Large, orange‑brown incisors visible when the mouth is open.
- Webbed hind feet facilitating efficient movement through water.
Overall, the nutria’s morphology combines terrestrial robustness with aquatic adaptations, resulting in a distinctive appearance among rodent species.