Nutria / Coypu

Myocastor coypus

✓What to do NOW

1Sturdy gloves essential — the orange teeth of the nutria cause deep wounds
2If injured and motionless: sturdy box with secure lid, damp cloth on the bottom
3Contact the local authority, Provincial Police, or CRAS for local guidance
4In many regions, nutria management falls to specific bodies: ask who to contact

✗NEVER do this

✗Do not release into lakes or rivers after treatment — it is an invasive species subject to control
✗Do not touch bare-handed: can transmit leptospirosis
✗Do not confuse with beaver (Castor fiber): the beaver has a flat, wide tail; the nutria has a round, hairy tail

⚠ Important note

The nutria is an invasive alien species from South America, very widespread in Italian wetlands. It is not protected and in many regions is subject to eradication plans. An injured nutria that cannot be left in the wild must be managed with local authorities — the options (care + reintroduction to a controlled area, or euthanasia) vary by regional law.

⚖ Legal protection

The nutria is an invasive alien species listed in EU Regulation 1143/2014. It is not protected by Law 157/1992. Regions may have mandatory control plans.

Also known as

coypunutriariver ratswamp beaver

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