The Nutria was introduced to the United State from South America to be raised commercially for their fur. Times have changed and they are no longer considered of value, and in fact are pests and perhaps causing damage to our natural environment. Easily misidentified as a Beaver, they have a round rodent type tail as opposed to the horizontally flat tail of the Beaver. The head of the Nutria is much bulkier than the Beaver. Also take note of the white whiskers and muzzle area, and the yellow or orange area around the ears.