I am indigenous to South America. My original range included Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

I was brought here from South America because people liked my fur. I either escaped or was intentionally released into the wetlands of coastal Louisiana in the 1930s. In the 1940s I was brought into the southeast for controlling aquatic weeds. Because I reproduce so quickly, I was able to spread throughout the wetlands of at least 15 states.

I’m to blame for ruining your marshes and wetlands. I cause two main types of damage to wetlands. The first is that I overeating marsh plants. I find the tender roots of plants irresistible and I will eat a marsh until it is totally gone. It is so satisfying! Humans call it an "eat out". The second type of damage is caused by the underground tunnels I dig. Both types of damage can lead to erosion as well as loss of habitat for other wetland animals such as waterfowl, fish and crabs. I also create human health problems because I may carry a parasite than can cause a skin infection known as nutria itch or marsh itch.

There have been many cleaver attempts to control my constantly growing populations. These attempts include trying to make my fur very valuable and popular, putting wire fences around marshes to keep me out, and even hunting me for food! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has developed special recipes using my meat, they even pay people a bounty for my tail!!!