Nutria have large, bright orange teeth.
A large invasive species that resembles a beaver is damaging ecosystems in over a dozen US states.
Nutria, native to South America, were introduced to the US in the late 1800s for their fur.
The aquatic rodents has since spread, destroying wetlands and threatening flood infrastructure.
A large aquatic rodent with bright orange teeth is causing environmental destruction in the US as wildlife officials struggle to keep the species from proliferating further.
Nutria — which resemble a cross between a beaver and an over-sized rat — can grow to be two feet long, with an additional 1 ½-feet of tail, and weigh up to 20 pounds. They have brown fur, a distinguishing white muzzle, and white whiskers.
The orange color of their teeth, a trait they share with beavers, comes from having a special, strong enamel that includes iron. Unlike beavers, North America’s largest rodent, nutria have a long, round, and mostly hairless tail, reminiscent of a rat’s…
This article was written by Kelsey Vlamis and originally published on www.businessinsider.com