The grey animal that somewhat resembles a beaver is the nutria. Often confused with beavers due to their aquatic habits and general body shape, nutrias are large, semi-aquatic rodents.
Understanding the Nutria
The nutria (Myocastor coypus), also known as the coypu, shares a superficial resemblance to a beaver, but key differences distinguish them. While beavers are known for their broad, flat, paddle-shaped tails, the nutria possesses a small, long, skinny, and hairless tail, which is a primary distinguishing feature. Their fur is typically brownish-grey, sometimes appearing darker, contributing to their "grey animal" description.
Key Characteristics and Distinctions
To better understand the nutria and how it differs from a beaver, consider the following characteristics:
- Size: Nutrias are large rodents, often weighing between 10 to 20 pounds, making them considerably smaller than beavers, which can weigh up to 60 pounds.
- Appearance: They have short legs, a compact body, and prominent orange or yellow incisor teeth, which are often visible even when their mouth is closed. Their eyes and nostrils are set high on their heads, allowing them to see and breathe while mostly submerged.
- Tail: As mentioned, the tail is a crucial identifier. Unlike the beaver's broad, flattened tail, the nutria's tail is round, rat-like, and sparsely haired or hairless.
- Habitat: Nutrias are adaptable and thrive in various freshwater habitats, including marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, and ponds. They are excellent swimmers and can stay submerged for several minutes.
- Diet: Primarily herbivores, nutrias feed on aquatic vegetation, roots, tubers, and crops, which can sometimes lead to agricultural damage.
Nutria vs. Beaver: A Comparative Look
Here's a quick comparison to highlight their differences:
| Feature | Nutria (Myocastor coypus) | Beaver (Castor canadensis) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Colors | Brownish-grey, reddish-brown, sometimes black | Brown, reddish-brown, sometimes black |
| Tail | Small, long, skinny, hairless, round | Broad, flat, paddle-shaped, scaly |
| Size | Up to 20 lbs (9 kg) | Up to 60 lbs (27 kg) |
| Front Teeth | Prominent orange/yellow incisors | Brownish, not always as prominent as nutria's |
| Webbed Feet | Hind feet only are webbed | All four feet are webbed (more pronounced rear) |
| Ears | Small, barely visible | Small, rounded |
| Habitat Impact | Burrows can damage banks, consume vegetation | Builds dams and lodges, alters waterways |
For more detailed information on nutria, you can refer to the Nutria Wikipedia page.
