Nutrias (Myocastor coypus), native to South America, were brought to Europe for their fur. Today, they are seen as an invasive species. They feed on aquatic plants, weaken embankments and dikes by digging burrows and displace native species. Excellent swimmers, they weigh up to 9 kilograms (20 pounds). Generally harmless to humans, they can still cause significant ecological and economic damage.
