This Nutria was observed grooming himself in the reeds at John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, Seagoville, Texas. A few minutes later, the Nutria entered the water and swam to an area thick with lily pads.

Wikipedia has this to say about Nutria:

The coypu (from the Mapudungun, koypu), (Myocastor coypus), also known as the river rat, and nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers. Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviors make this invasive species a pest throughout most of its range.

Coypus live in burrows alongside stretches of water. They feed on river plants, and waste close to 90% of the plant material while feeding on the stems.

Nutria - To The Lily Pads
Nutria - To The Lily Pads
Nutria - To The Lily Pads
Nutria - To The Lily Pads
Nutria - To The Lily Pads
Nutria - To The Lily Pads

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